o 


BANCROFT    LIBRARY 


REPORTS 

OF  THE  SPECIAL  COMMITTEES  APPOINTED  TO  MAKE  ARRANGEMENTS 
FOR  BRINGING  ON  FROM  MEXICO  THE 

BODIES  OF  THE  OFFICERS 


NEW  YORK  REGIMENT  OP  VOLUNTEERS, 

AND   TO    PREPARE    AND    PRESENT 

MEDALS 

TO  THE 

NEW  YORK  REGIMENT  OF  VOLUNTEERS, 

ALSO,  TO  MAKE  THE  NECESSARY  ARRANGEMENTS  FOR  THE 

RECEPTION 

OF  THE 

FIRST   REGIMENT   OF   NEW  YORK  VOLUNTEERS, 

ON  THEIR  RETURN  FROM  MEXICO. 

f\|e*V 

II 


NEW  YORK : 

McSPEDON  &  BAKER,  PRINTERS,  25  PINE  STREET. 

1851. 


.5 

i 

X 


JD4498 

Bancroft  Library 


REPORT   OF    THE    COMMITTEE 

APPOINTED  TO  MAKE   SUITABLE   ARRANGEMENTS 
FOR  BRINGING   ON  THE 

BODIES  OF  THE  OFFICERS  OF   THE    NEW  YORK  VOLUNTEERS 

FROM     MEXICO: 

WITH  THE 

FUNERAL    CEREMONIES 

OBSERVED    ON    THE    OCCASION    OF    THEIR    INTERMENT. 


Ax  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  held  on  the 
25th  October,  1847,  Alderman  PURSER  presented  the  fol 
lowing  preamble  and  resolutions,  viz  : 

Whereas,  LIEUT.  COL.  BAXTER  and  LIEUT.  CHANDLER 
have  nobly  fallen  m  the  discharge  of  their  duty,  after 
gallantly  sustaining,  in  many  hard  fought  battles,  the 
glory  of  the  American  arms  and  the  honor  of  their  coun 
try  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  while  testifying  our  gratitude  and  admi 
ration  for  the  chivalry  evinced  by  these  sons  of  our  favored 
city,  we  deeply  condole  with  the  bereaved  relations  and 
friends  of  those  struck  down  in  the  hour  of  victory. 


Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  three  be  appointed  to 
confer  with  similar  Committees  from  military  companies, 
with  a  view  of  making-  suitable  arrangements  for  bringing 
on  the  corpse  of  the  illustrious  soldiers  to  the  city  of  their 
birth. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions,  duly  authen 
ticated,  be  sent  to  the  relations  of  the  deceased. 

Which  were  unanimously  adopted, 

And  Aldermen  PURSER,  DODGE  and  DE  FOREST,  ap 
pointed  such  Committee  on  the  part  of  this  Board. 

And  directed  to  be  sent  to  the  Board  of  Assistants  for 
concurrence. 

On  the  first  of  November,  the  above  resolutions  were 
unanimously  concurred  in  by  the  Board  of  Assistants,  and 
Messrs.  ALLEN,  SCHULTZ  and  ROBERTSON,  appointed  as  the 
Committee  on  the  part  of  that  Board. 

The  Committee,  thus  empowered,  met  from  time  to 
time,  and  afler  some  delay,  finally  resolved  upon  the  ap- 
poinment  of  Mr.  ALEXANDER  S.  FORBES,  who  personally 
solicited  the  agency,  and  who  produced  strong  recommen 
dations  to  the  Committee  from  the  Baxter  Blues,  who 
communicated  freely  with  the  chairman. 

Your  Cotnmittee  procured,  from  the  Department  of  War 
at  Washington,  all  the  necessary  papers  appertaining  to  a 
mission  of  this  kind,  and  furnished  with  full  credentials 


and  every  power  to  further  the  object  in  view,  the  agent 
proceeded  on  his  errand  of  humanity  on  the  29th  day  of 
January  last,  by  the  overland  route  to  New  Orleans,  where 
he  arrived  on  the  9th  of  February ;  from  which  city  he 
proceeded  on  the  20th  to  Vera  Cruz,  where,  on  the  1st  of 
March,  at  the  castle  of  San  Juan,  he  found  the  bodies  of 
COLONEL  BAXTER,  and  CAPTAINS  PEARSON  and  VAN 
OLINDA.  From  Vera  Cruz,  Mr.  FORBES  proceeded  to  the 
city  of  Mexico,  from  which  place,  under  date  of  6th  of 
May,  he  addressed  the  following  dispatch,  which  the  Com 
mittee  regret  to  state,  is  the  only  one  ever  received  by 
them. 

SAN  ANGEL,  NEAR  CITY  OF  MEXICO, 
MAY  GTH,  1848. 

DEAR  SIR: 

I  have  no  doubt  you  think  strange  of  not  hearing 
from  me  long  since,  but  as  my  mission  was  not  fulfilled, 
and  I  could  not  say  definitely  when  it  would  be,  I  consid 
ered  it  as  well  to  wait  until  this  time. 

On  my  arrival  in  Vera  Cruz,  26th  February,  I  imme 
diately  commenced  searching  for  the  bodies,  COLONEL 
BAXTER,  and  the  other  officers,  by  calling  on  CAPTAIN 
PATRICK,  whom  COLONEL  BURNETT  informed  your  Com 
mittee  and  myself,  had  charge  of  them,  and  had  promised 
lo  send  them  to  New  York.  Upon  making  known  my 
business  to  Captain  P.,  he  was  surprised,  and  said  he  knew 
nothing  of  them,  nor  had  he  promised  or  spoken  to  COLONEL 
BURNETT  on  the  subject,  but  at  the  same  time  proffered 
his  assistance  to  me.  In  a  few  days  I  traced  them  out 
and  had  them  properly  taken  care  of  until  I  am  ready  to 
return. 


Upon  enquiry,  I  found  that  the  bodies  of  CAPTAIN 
BURKE  and  LIEUTENANT  MORRIS,  had  been  sent  or  taken 
home  by  their  brother  officers  attached  to  their  respective 
regiments. 

I  remained  in  Vera  Cruz  to  wait  for  the  train  from  the 
city  of  Mexico  to  arrive,  having  understood  the  body  of 
LIEUTENANT  E.  CHANDLER  would  be  with  it,  and  upon  its 
arrival,  finding  such  not  to  be  the  case,  immediately  made 
preparations  to  proceed  to  the  city,  and  arrived  here  the 
21st  instant,  after  a  long  and  tedious  march  of  twenty-four 
days.  I  here  found  your  letters  in  relation  to  the  body  of 
CAPTAIN  BARCLAY,  and  acted  according  to  order.  I  am 
now  ready  to  return,  and  shall  by  the  first  train,  which  I 
am  in  hopes  will  leave  here  in  five  or  six  days,  as  1  am 
anxious  to  get  home.  I  feel  sorry  I  have  been  detained  so 
long,  more  on  your  account,  and  only  hope  you  may  have 
still  remained  in  the  Common  Council  for  the  purpose  of 
carrying  out  your  views  in  regard  to  the  reception  of  the 
remains. 

I  have  been  very  kindly  received,  and  every  attention 
offered  me  by  officers  and  others  attached  to  the  army,  and 
assign  it  more  particularly  to  this  reason,  that  the  high 
position  our  gallant  regiment  hold  in  the  minds  of  all  such, 
serves  but  to  make  each  anxious  to  see  who  can  do  the 
most  to  second  the  wishes  of  your  Honorable  Body  in  your 
patriotic  efforts  to  respect  their  dead — and  although  proud 
as  I  am  of  my  position  as  an  agent  of  the  empire  city  in 
this  business,  I  feel  more  proud  of  them — it  almost  leads 
to  envy.  I  believe  every  New  Yorker  would  be  the  same 
were  he  here  to  see  and  listen  to  the  respect  paid,  and 


encomiums  showered  upon  our  noble  representatives,  by 
all  belonging  to  the  army ;  they  are  considered  a  band  of 
Invincibles. 

I  shall  write  immediately  upon  my  arrival  in  New 
Orleans,  and  can  then  say  when  will  be  the  most  likely 
time  of  my  getting  to  New  York. 

With  great  respect, 

I  remain  truly  yours, 
ALEXANDER  S.  FORBES. 

To  GEO.  H.  PURSER,  ESQ., 
Alderman  Fourth  W^ard. 

After  the  organization  of  the  new  Common  Council,  in 
May,  the  Committees  were  re-organized  by  the  appoint 
ment  of  the  following  persons. 

On  the  part  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen  : 

Aldermen  DE  FOREST,  DODGE,  GRAY,  SMITH,  DOWNING? 
and  the  PRESIDENT  of  the  Board. 

And  on  the  part  of  the  Assistants : 

Messrs.  SCHULTZ,  FRANKLIN,  BRENAN,  GETTY  and  PAX- 
TON,  with  the  PRESIDENT  of  that  Board. 

The  first  information  which  the  Committee  received  from 
their  agent,  was  of  a  truly  melancholy  character,  and 
which  was  conveyed  to  them  by  the  following  letter,  ad 
dressed  to  the  brother  of  Mr.  FORBES. 


8 

NEW  ORLEANS,  June  22,  1848. 

DEAR  SIR: — It  becomes  my  painful  duty  to  inform  you 
of  the  death  of  your  brother,  Mr.  A.  S.  FORBES,  which 
unfortunate  event  occurred  at  two  o'clock,  on  the  morning 
of  the  20th  instant. 

I  arrived  in  this  city  on  the  night  of  tho  17th,  and  hear 
ing  that  Alexander  was  in  the  city,  I  called  on  him  imme 
diately,  and  found  him  complaining  of  sea-sickness,  as  he 
supposed,  but  which  I  was  immediately  satisfied  was  at 
best  bilious  fever.  I  immediately  called  in  Dr.  Head  and 
Dr.  McCormick,  of  the  army,  who  prescribed  for  him.  Dr. 
M.  pronouncing  his  disease  black  vomit.  He  rallied  very 
much,  and  both  physicians  said  he  would  probably  recover. 
In  the  mean  time  I  had  procured  a  first  rate  nurse,  and 
had  sent  for  Mr.  BOGERT  (his  friend),  who  attended  him 
until  he  died.  On  the  night  of  the  20th,  a  change 
took  place  for  the  worse,  which  terminated  his  life  in  a 
few  hours. 

We  have  the  body  placed  in  a  leaden  coffin,  and  I  shall 
start  at  five  o'clock  to-day,  for  New  York,  via  Sandusky 
and  Buffalo,  with  all  the  bodies. 

Your  friend, 

R.  M.  FLOYD, 
Lieut.  N.  Y.  V. 

Thus  terminated  the  earthly  career  of  one  whose  pros 
pects  in  life  were  bright,  leaving  a  wife  and  child  to  mourn 
over  the  loss  of  a  protector  and  father,  and  a  large  circle  of 
friends  to  lament  the  privation  of  one  of  their  dearest  asso 
ciates.  Intrusted  in  life  with  the  mission  of  restoring  the 


remains  of  the  lamented  dead  to  their  living  relatives  and 
friends,  he  returned  united  to  them  in  bonds  which  can 
only  be  severed  when  the  u  corruptible  must  put  on  incor- 
ruption,  and  the  mortal  must  put  on  immortality." 

The  intelligence  in  relation  to  the  death  of  our  friend 
having  been  verified  by  telegraphic  dispatches,  the  Com 
mittee  hastened  their  preparation  for  the  reception  of  the 
remains,  and  at  noon,  on  the  4th  of  July,  they  received 
information  that  their  bodies  were  on  their  way  down  the 
Hudson  river,  per  the  Alida,  and  might  be  expected  at  three 
o'clock.  They  immediately  made  the  necessary  prepara 
tions,  and  after  the  arrival  of  the  boat,  the  bodies,  under 
the  escort  of  the  Baxter  Blues,  preceded  by  the  Committee, 
amid  the  noise  and  confusion  incidental  to  the  celebration 
of  the  day,  formed  a  mournful  procession  to  the  arsenal 
yard,  which  had  been  hastily  prepared  for  their  reception, 
where,  under  a  sable  canopy,  and  covered  with  a  pall  of 
their  country's  flag,  they  were  placed  by  the  Committee  in 
charge  of  the  Baxter  Blues  as  a  Guard  of  Honor,  which 
from  that  time  until  the  day  of  the  funeral,  guarded  with 
devotion  the  remains  of  their  late  commandant,  and  his 
heroic  associates,  refusing  relief  from  their  patriotic  duty, 
though  often  tendered  by  other  military  companies  and 
associations. 

The  remains  were  afterwards  placed  at  the  disposal  of 
Mr.  ISAAC  H.  BROWN,  Sexton  of  Grace  church,  who  had 
been  employed  by  the  Committee  to  superintend  the  pre 
paration  of  the  bodies  for  interment.  They  were  separately 
removed  from  the  casings  which  surrounded  them  on  their 
arrival,  and  placed  in  the  coffins  prepared  for  their  recep- 


10 

tion,  when  they  were  re-arranged  under  the  canopy,  on 
trestles,  and  laid  in  state,  for  the  visits  of  the  public — a 
multitude  of  whom  visited  the  arsenal  to  view  the  melan 
choly  preparation. 

The  Committee  would  embrace  the  present  opportunity 
to  notice  with  commendation  the  efficient  services  of  Mr. 
BROWN,  and  their  approval  of  his  official  and  gentlemanly 
conduct  throughout  the  whole  time  of  his  intercourse  with 
them. 

The  Committee  would  tender  their  thanks  to  LIEUT. 
ROBERT  M.  FLOYD,  for  the  speedy  and  careful  management 
of  the  agency  after  he  had  been  so  providentially  intrusted 
with  its  care. 

To  the  owners  and  agents  of  the  steamer  Lafayette,  on 
the  Mississippi. 

To  Messrs.  MUDGE  &  WILSON,  of  the  St.  Charles'  Hotel, 
at  New  Orleans,  for  their  care  of  the  late  Mr.  FORBES, 
during  his  last  and  fatal  illness. 

To  the  Presidents  and  Directors  of  the  railroads  on  the 
route,  who  refused  remuneration  for  the  conveyance  of  the 
remains  of  the  lamented  dead  ;  and 

To  CAPTAIN  STONE,  of  the  steamboat  Alida,  for  the  like 
service  in  conveying  the  remains  from  Albany  to  this  city. 

The  final  arrangements  having  been  perfected,  the  Com 
mittee  proceeded  in  the  discharge  of  their  melancholy  duty, 
as  hereafter  detailed. 


11 


ORDER    OF    PROCESSI  O1N  , 

WITH  THE 

CEREMONIES  AND  INCIDENTS  AT  THE  FUNERAL  SOLEMNITIES 

IN  HONOR  OF   THE 

GALLANT    OFFICERS 

OF   THE 

FIRST  REGIMENT  OF   NEW  YORK  VOLUNTEERS, 

WHO   SACRIFICED  THEIR  LIVES   IN   THE   PERFORMANCE   OF 
DUTIES  REQUIRED  BY   THEIR   COUNTRY, 

lH  MEXICO. 


THE  MILITARY  PARADED  IN  PURSUANCE  OF  THE  FOLLOWING 

ORDERS : 

FIRST  DIVISION— N.  Y.  STATE  MILITIA. 


DIVISION  OEDEES. 


NEW  YORK,  July  6,  1848. 

The  Major  General  announces  to  the  Division  the 
arrival  of  the  remains  of  a  number  of  our  fellow  soldiers, 
who  sacrificed  their  lives  in  the  service  of  our  country,  in 
the  late  brilliant  campaign  in  Mexico. 


12 

The  bodies  of  the  lamented  and  gallant  LIEUT.  COL. 
BAXTER,  who  fell  when  leading  his  regiment  to  victory  at 
the  Garita  of  Mexico,  after  the  storming  of  Chapultepec  ; 
CAPTAIN  PEARSON,  who  was  killed  at  Chapultepec  ;  LIEUT. 
CHANDLER,  who  was  killed  in  the  battle  of  Churubusco ; 
CAPTAIN  BARCLAY  and  LIEUT.  GALLAGHER,  who  died  from 
exposure  and  sickness  during  the  campaign,  and  of  LIEUT. 
FORBES,  who  lost  his  life  while  bringing  back  to  us  these 
honored  remains, — are  now  waiting  the  last  honors  which 
we  can  pay  to  the  memory  of  the  glorious  dead. 

In  conjunction  with  the  Mayor  and  Common  Council  of 
our  city,  who  have  caused  these  precious  relics  to  be  re 
stored  to  us,  the  division  will  unite  in  the  ceremonials  ap 
propriate  to  this  solemn  event,  on  Wednesday  next,  the 
12th  of  July  instant. 

The  Fourth  Brigade,  under  the  command  of  BRIGADIER 
GEN.  EWEN,  will  form  the  Funeral  Escort.  The  line  will 
be  formed  in  Canal  street,  with  the  left  on  Broadway,  at 
one  o'clock,  p.  M. 

GEN.  EWEN  will  also  receive  and  assign  to  appropriate 
stations,  such  corps  as  may  be  desirous  to  unite  with  us  on 
the  occasion,  from  our  sister  city  of  Brooklyn,  and  also  any 
entire  companies  from  the  other  brigades  of  this  division, 
which  may  desire  to  parade  as  part  of  the  escort. 

The  officers  of  the  first,  second  and  third  brigades,  and 
those  of  the  division  staff,  are  requested  to  assemble  in  full 
uniform,  (dismounted)  with  the  usual  badges  of  mourning, 
in  front  of  the  City  Hall,  at  one  o'clock,  p.  M.,  precisely, 
for  the  purpose  of  uniting  in  the  procession. 


13 

The  commandants  of  the  regiments  ordered  on  duty  will 
send  their  standards  and  ramp  colors  to  the  City  Hall,  on 
Monday  next,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the  usual  badges 
of  mourning. 

GEN.  EWEN  will  detail  suitable  detachments  to  act  as 
Guards  of  Honor  to  the  respective  remains,  during  the  pro 
cession,  and  until  their  interment. 

BRIG.  GEN.  HALL  will  order  a  troupe  of  horse  to  parade 
for  Guard  and  Escort  duty,  to  report  to  BRIG.  GEN.  EWEN, 
at  one  o'clock,  in  Canal  street,  on  the  day  of  the  proces 
sion. 

BRIG.  GEN.  MORRIS  will  order  a  detachment  of  artillery 
to  fire  minute  guns,  during  the  procession,  from  Washing 
ton  parade  ground. 

By  order  of 

CHARLES  W.  SANDFORD, 

Major  General  Commanding. 

R.  C.  WETMORE,  Division  Inspector. 


FOURTH  BRIGADE— N.  Y.  STATE  MILITIA. 

BRIGADE  ORDERS. 

NEW  YORK,  July  8,  1848. 

The  Brigadier  General  announces  that  arrangements 
have  been  made  by  the  Common  Council  of  this  city,  to 
render  appropriate  honors  to  the  remains  of  LIEUT.  COL. 


14 

BAXTER,  CAPT.  PEARSON,  CAPT.  BARCLAY,  LIEUTS.  CHAND 
LER  and  GALLAGHER,  who  fell  a  sacrifice  in  the  service  of 
their  country,  in  the  Mexican  campaign,  and  LIEUT. 
FORBES,  who  lost  his  life  while  bringing  to  us  these  hon 
ored  remains. 

In  pursuance  of  such  arrangements,  and  division  orders 
of  the  6th  inst.,  this  Brigade  will  form  the  Funeral  Escort. 

The  brigade  line  will  be  formed  in  Canal  street,  on 
Wednesday  next,  the  12th  inst.,  at  one  o'clock,  p.  M.,  with 
the  left  on  Broadway.  COL.  H.  G.  STEBBINS,  of  the  Twelfth 
Regiment,  will  detail  the  company  of  Baxter  Blues,  CAPT. 
AYRES,  as  a  Guard  of  Honor  to  the  body  of  LIEUT.  COL. 
BAXTER,  who  formerly  commanded  said  company,  and 
LIEUT.  FORBES,  late  a  member  thereof.  COL.  R.  C.  MOR 
RIS,  of  the  Eleventh  Regiment,  will  detail  the  City  Guard, 
CAPT.  McARDLE,  as  a  Guard  of  Honor  to  the  bodies  of 
LIEUTS.  CHANDLER  and  GALLAGHER. 

The  services  of  the  Pearson  Light  Guard  of  Brooklyn, 
CAPT.  PIKE,  has  been  accepted  ;  said  company  will  act  as 
a  Guard  of  Honor  to  the  bodies  of  CAPTS.  PEARSON  and 
BARCLAY. 

Commandants  of  regiments  will  send  their  standards 
and  camp  colors  to  the  City  Hall,  on  Monday  next,  for  the 
purpose  of  receiving  the  usual  badges  of  mourning. 

Officers  will  wear  crape  on  the  left  arm  and  on  the 
sword  hilt. 

By  order  of 

Brig.  Gen.  JOHN  EWEN. 
N.  BERGASSE  LA  BAU,  Aid-de-Carnp. 


15 

JULY  llth. 

The  folio-wing  General  Order  was  Issued  by  the  Committee. 

The  CLERGY  will  assemble  at  the  Governor's  room, 
City  Hall,  at  one  o'clock,  p.  M. 

The  PALL  BEARERS  will  assemble  at  the  Arsenal  yard, 
at  one  o'clock,  p.  M. 

The  companies  detailed  as  GUARDS  OF  HONOR,  at  the  Ar 
senal  yard,  at  one  o'clock,  p.  M. 

The  NEW  YORK  SACRED  Music  SOCIETY  will  assemble  in 
the  Governor's  room,  City  Hall,  at  three  o'clock,  P.M. 

The  procession  will  move  at  two  o'clock. 

The  LINE  OF  MARCH  will  be  up  Broadway  to  Fourteenth 
street ;  through  Fourteenth  street  to  the  Bowery  ;  down 
the  Bowery  and  Chatham  street,  to  the  east  gate  of  the 
Park. 

After  entering  the  Park,  the  bodies  will  be  placed  on 
trestles,  in  front  of  the  platform  erected  for  the  Orator, 
Clergy  and  members  of  the  Common  Councils  of  New 
York  and  Brooklyn. 

THE  CEREMONIES 

will  be  opened  witli  prayer  by  the  Rev.  ISAAC  FERRIS, 
D.  D.,  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church. 


16 

AN  ORATION, 

prepared  at  the  request  of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements, 
will  then  be  delivered  by 

JOHN  VAN  BUREN,  ESQ. 

The  ODE  prepared  for  the  occasion,  at  the  request  of  the 
Common  Council,  by  GEORGE  P.  MORRIS,  Esq.,  will  be 
sung  by  the  New  York  Sacred  Music  Society,  who  will 
occupy  the  balcony  of  the  hall. 

At  the  conclusion  of  which,  the  BENEDICTION  will  be 
pronounced  by  the  Rev.  SPENCER  H.  CONE,  of  the  Baptist 
Church. 

The  bodies  of  the  deceased  will  then  be  placed  at  the 
disposal  of  the  relatives  and  friends. 

It  is  directed  by  this  Committee,  that  all  public  and 
licensed  carriages  and  vehicles  be  withdrawn  from  the 
streets  through  which  the  procession  is  to  pass. 

The  Chief  of  Police  is  charged  with  the  enforcement  of 
this  order. 

Persons  having  charge  of  the  different  church  and  fire 
alarm  bells  in  this  city,  are  requested  to  cause  the  bells  to 
be  tolled  from  the  hour  of  two  o'clock,  p.  M.,  during  the 
procession,  and  the  owners  and  masters  of  vessels  in  the 
harbor,  and  the  proprietors  of  public  buildings  are  request 
ed  to  half-mast  their  colors,  from  sunrise  to  sunset.  It  is 
respectfully  recommended,  also,  that  our  fellow  citizens 
close  their  places  of  business  during  the  solemnities  of  the 
day. 


17 


COMMITTEE  OF  ARRANGEMENTS. 

Aid.  De  Forest,  1st  Ward.  Ass't.  Aid.  Schultz,  5th  Ward, 

"  Dodge,         9th     "  "            Franklin,  17ih     " 

"  Gray,         10th     "  "           Brenan,      6th     " 

"  Smith,        16lh     "  «            Getty,          8th     " 

"  Downing,  13th     "  "            Paxton,     14th     " 

MORRIS  FRANKLIN, 

President  Board  of  Aldermen. 

WILSON  SMALL, 

President  Board  of  Assistants. 

JULY  12th. 
THE  DAY 

was,  in  every  way,  all  that  the  occasion  seemed  fittingly  to 
demand.  Dark,  sombre  clouds  overshadowed  the  heavens 
from  morn  till  night,  and  the  sun's  rays  were  only  visible 
just  before  the  funeral  cortage  entered  the  western  gate  of 
the  Park.  In  the  fore  part  of  the  day,  a  thin  disagreeable 
drizzle  threatened  to  postpone  the  obsequies  altogether,  but 
towards  noon,  the  rain  ceased,  and,  in  this  respect,  every 
thing  was  as  favorable  as  could  have  been  desired.  The 
heavens  above,  in  truth,  seemed  to  sympathize  with  the 
solemn  spectacle  below.  We  never  witnessed  a  gloomier 
or  more  melancholy-inspiring  day. 

THE  APPEARANCE  OF  THE  CITY 

was  in  keeping  with  the  solemn  ceremonies  of  the  day. 
From    every   public   building    the   star   spangled   banner 
floated  at  half-mast,  and  we  noticed  several  private  dwell- 
2 


18 

ings  along  the  line  of  the  procession  becomingly  decked  in 
sable  habiliments.  The  municipal  ordinance  respecting 
vehicles  and  other  street  interruptions,  it  gives  us  much 
pleasure  to  say,  were  obeyed  to  the  letter  ;  in  short,  every 
thing  that  our  citizens  at  large  could  do  to  mark  their  re 
spect,  was  done.  From  the  hour  of  two,  P.  M.,  minute 
guns  were  fired  till  after  the  ceremonies  in  front  of  the 
City  Hall  were  concluded,  and  the  bells  of  the  various 
churches  tolled  the  funeral  dirge  at  intervals  throughout 
the  day. 

THE  ARSENAL,  CENTRE  STREET. 

At  the  Arsenal  yard,  after  passing  a  field  battery,  dressed 
in  crape,  the  visitor  entered  the  hall,  where  reposed  the 
mouldering  remains  of  these  gallant  fellows.  Six  coffins 
were  there  reposing ;  the  watchful  tread  of  a  sentry  from 
the  Baxter  Blues,  being  the  only  sound  which  broke  the 
stillness.  Wreaths  and  flowers  were  strewn  upon  the  cof 
fins  ;  that  of  the  lamented  PEARSON  being  covered  with 
black  cloth,  fringed  with  gold  lace.  The  other  coffins 
were  of  mahogany,  each  bearing  a  plate  inscribed  with  the 
name  of  its  silent  occupant,  his  age,  place  of  birth,  cause  of 
death,  &c. 

The  following  were  the  inscriptions  : 

ALEXANDER  S.   FORBES, 

Born  Dec.  10th,  1819  ;   died  June  20th,  1848,  at  New  Or- 

leans,  while  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty  as  the  agent 

for  the  Common  Council,  for  bringing  to  New 

York  the  remains  of  the  gallant  heroes  who 

fell   at   Churubusco  and    Chapultepec. 


19 

LIEUT.  COL.  CHARLES  BAXTER, 

Born  Dec.  22d,  1814;  died  in  the  City  of  Mexico,  Sept. 

18th,  1847,  of  a  wound  received  at  the 

storming  of  Chapultepec. 

CAPT.  JAMES  BARCLAY, 

Of  Company  C,  New  York  Regiment ;  died  at  San  Angels, 
January  30,  1848,  aged  28  years. 

CAPT.  CHARLES  H.  PEARSON, 

Died  in  the  city  of  Mexico,  October   10,  1847,  of  wounds 

received  in  storming  the  fortress  of  Chapultepec, 

September  13,  1847,  aged  31  years. 

LIEUT.  CHARLES  F.  GALLAGHER, 

Died  near  the  city  of  Mexico,  September  10,  1847. 
aged  27  years,  2  months  and  20  days. 

LIEUT.  EDGAR  CHANDLER, 

Born  March  17,  1823  ;  died  Aug.  21,  1847,  from  a  wound 

received  on  the  20th,  on  the  field  of 

Churubusco. 

The  scene  was  solemn  and  impressive,  and  will  only 
pass  from  memory  with  life  itself. 

As  meridian  approached,  the  various  companies  of  our 
city  military  were  seen  concentrating  at  the  Arsenal,  and 
about  one  p.  M.,  the  Pearson  Guards,  from  Brooklyn, 
marched  up  to  take  their  place  in  the  line. 


20 

At  two  o'clock  precisely,  the  bells  of  the  City  Hall  and 
the  various  churches  commenced  a  slow  and  measured 
peal,  and  nearly  at  the  same  moment  the  large  procession 
started  from  the  Arsenal,  the  Baxter  Blues  and  the  City 
Guard  acting  as  an  escort  of  honor.  The  procession  took 
the  route  as  laid  down  in  the  programme,  passing  up 
Broadway  to  Fourteenth  street  ;  through  Fourteenth  street 
to  the  Bowery;  down  the  Bowery  to  Chatham  street; 
through  Chambers  to  the  west  gate  of  the  Park,  and  thence 
to  the  front  of  the  City  Hall,  where  the  broad  platform  in 
front  had  been  reserved  for  the  reception  of  the  bodies,  to 
which  they  were  borne  by  the  pall  bearers,  and  laid  upon 
the  trestles  previously  prepared. 

The  military  escort  consisted  of  the  fourth  Brigade  of 
New  York  State  Militia,  under  the  command  of  BRIGADIER 
GENERAL  JOHN  EWEN,  in  reverse  order,  as  follows  : 

Twelfth  Regiment,  commanded  by  COLONEL  HENRY  G. 
STEBBENS,  composed  of  the  following  companies,  to  wit : 

Tompkins'  Blues,  com'd  by  Capt.  John  Mayer,  Co.  C. 

Benson  Guard,  "  "     Win.  McCrea,  Co.  B. 

Italian  Guard,  "  Lieut.  M.  G.  Laughill,  Co.  E. 

Monroe  Blues,  "  Capt.  J.  F.  E.  Prudhomme,  D. 

Lafayette  Fusileers,  "  "     Wm.  McCauley,  Co.  F. 

Independence  Guard,  "  "     James  A.  Boyle,     "  G. 

Light  Guard,  "  "     Edward  Vincent,     "  A. 

Baxter  Blues,  "  "     Saml.  P.  Ayres,     "  H. 

The  last  company  paraded  as  a  Guard  of  Honor  to  the 
bodies  of  LIEUT.  COL.  BAXTER  and  LIEUT.  FORBES. 


21 

Eleventh  Regiment,  commanded  by  COL.  R.  C.  MORRIS, 
was  composed  of  the  following  companies,  to  wit : 

Union  Riflemen,  com'd  by  Capt.  John  P.  Ellis,  Co.  H. 
Continental  Guard,       "         "      John  C.  Helme,  Co.  B. 
Montgomery     "  "         "      T.  S.    Murphy,     "     E. 

Washington      "  "         "      F.  Piesmicker,         "     D. 

"  "  "         "I.  Seafert. 

City  "  "         "      Wm.  McArdle,  Co.  A. 

The  last  named  company  paraded  as  a  Guard  of  Honor 
to  the  bodies  of  LIEUTENANTS  CHANDLER  and  GALLAGHER. 

Tenth  Regiment,  commanded  by  COL.  WM.  HALSEY, 
was  composed  of  the  following  companies  to  wit : 

President's  Guard,  com'd  by  Capt.  Cornl.  Clock,  Co. 

Emmet             "  "  "  James  McGrath,  Co.  E. 

President's      "  "  "  H.  L.  Moelyle,     "  B. 

Washington  Cadets,  "  "  Henry  Baldwin,  "  G. 

President's  Guard,  "  "  Henry  Brunner,  "  C. 

"             "  "  "  Thomas  Jones,     "  A. 

National  Greys,  "  Jacob  Raynor,     "  H. 

The  Company  of  Pearson  Light  Guard,  of  Brooklyn, 
commanded  by  Capt.  NICHOLAS  PIKE,  paraded  as  a  Guard 
of  Honor  to  the  bodies  of  Captains  PEARSON  and  BARCLAY. 

At  three  minutes  after  four,  the  head  of  the  column 
appeared  at  the  west  gate  of  the  Park,  preceded  by  a  com 
pany  of  dragoons,  who  aided  the  policemen  in  preserving 
order.  They  were  followed  by  the  Baxter  Blues,  after 


22 

whom  came  the  carriages  containing  the   Rev.  Clergy,  in 
the  following  order : 


Reformed  Dutch — Rev.  Drs.  KNOX,  HARDENBURGH, 
FERRIS,  GUILDAN. 

Episcopal — WAINWRIGHT,  TAYLOR,  PRICE,  SEABURY. 

Baptist — CONE,  EVARTS,  HOPKINS,  SUMERS. 

Presbyterian — SMITH,  CHAPMAN,  SPRING,  Cox. 

From  Brooklyn — Rev.  Messrs.  VINTON,  (Episcopal) — 
HODGE,  (Baptist) — JACOBUS,  (Dutch  Reformed.) 

Methodist — CREAGH,  VINCENT,  CLARK,  GRIFFIN. 

Catholic — Bishop  HUGHES,  Rev.  Drs.  PISE,  BUCHMEYER, 
LARKIN. 

Unitarian — DEWEY,  BRIGGS,  FARLEY,  OSGOOD. 

Lutheran — GEISSENHAINER,  MARTIN,  STOHTMAN,  HELD. 

Universalist — SKINNER,  CHAPIN,  RAYNER,  THAYER. 


These  were  succeeded  by  the  bodies  borne  on  separate 
hearses,  with  their  names  emblazoned  in  large  silver  letters 
on  the  drapery  which  overhung  the  coffins.  Then  came 
the  body  of 


FORBES, 

WITH   THE    FOLLOWING  PALL  BEARERS. 


Messrs.  Aaron  Baldwin, 

Wm.  S.  Williams, 
Foster  N.  Mott, 
Richard  White, 


Messrs.  John  Reeves, 
Charles  Smith, 
Fred.  Watkins, 
James  Malone. 


23 
BAXTER. 

FALL    BEARERS. 


Col.  Burnett,  1st.  Regt.  N.Y.V. 


Ming,  3d  " 
Games  5th  " 
Brennan,7th  " 


N.Y.A. 


Col.  Calhoun,  2d  Regt.  N.Y.V. 
"     Thomas  4th     "          " 
Lt.Col.Potter,2d     "         " 
Lt.  Sweeney,  1st      "         " 


Escorted  by  the  Baxter  Blues,  as  a  Guard  of  Honor, 
under  Captain  KISSNER. 


BARCLAY. 

FALL    BE  ARERS. 


Lt.  Col.  Borden,  8th  Rg.  NYA. 

"       Drucker,  5th  "         " 
Capt.  Shumway,  7th  "         " 

"     Luerson,     4th  "         " 


Lt.  Col.  Ryer,  1st  Reg.  N.Y.A. 
Major  Rader,  5th     "         " 
Capt.  Forsyth,  1st     "         " 
"    Swartzwelder,  5th      " 


PEARSON. 

FALL    BEARERS. 


Lt.  Col.  Duryea,  7th  Rg.  NYA. 

«       Hopkins,  3d    "    NYV. 

"        Kesler,    5th  "         " 
Major  Thomas, 


Lt.  Col.  Ferris,  9th  Reg.N.Y. A. 

Major  Lyon,     2d     "          Vol. 
Capt.  Innes,       1st    "  " 

"    J.  Pattison,4th"  " 


Escorted  by  the  Pearson  Light  Guard,  as  a  Guard  of 
Honor,  under  Capt.  N.  PIKE. 


24 
GALLAGHER. 

FALL    BEARERS. 


Capt.  Waugh,  7th  Reg.  N.YA. 

Lieut.  Crofts,    1st     "         Vol. 
"       Sutor,    1st     "         " 
"       Forbes,  4th    "      NYA. 


Capt.    Price,  7th  Reg.  N.  Y.  A. 

"     Ferber,4th  "  " 

Lieut. Wiley,  1st   "      N.  Y.  V. 

"    Curran,lst    "  " 


CHANDLER. 


FALL    BEARERS. 


Lt.  Henry,  1st  Regt.  N.  Y.  V. 

"    Reed,  " 

Surgeon  McKibbin  " 


Capt.  Van  Dyck,  SthReg.NYA. 
Lieut.  Smith,       7th  "         " 
"      Floyd,        1st   "        Vol. 


Lieut.  Brown,  «      L  i)unning,lst" 

Escorted  by  the  City  Guard,  under  Captain  McARDLE, 
as  a  Guard  of  Honor. 

These  were  followed  by  the  mourners,  &c.,  in  the  order 
below : 

Mourners  and  relatives  of  each  of  the  deceased,  in 
Carriages. 

Mayors  of  the   Cities   of  New   York   and  Brooklyn. 
The  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  New  York. 

The  Board  of  Aldermen, 

Preceded  by  the  Sergeant-at-Arms,  and  headed  by  their 
President. 


25 

X 

The  Board  of  Assistants, 
Preceded   by  the  Sergeant -at- Arms,  and  headed  by  their 

President, 
The  Common  Council  of  the  City  of  Brooklyn, 

Civic  Societies. 
The  Ringgold  Association, 

And  such  others  as  reported  themselves  to  the   Committee 
previous  to  the  moving  of  the  procession. 

Citizens  and  Strangers. 

The  Mayor  of  Albany  was  also  present,  with  several 
members  of  the  Common  Council  of  that  city. 

THE  PARK. 

After  entering  the  Park,  now  densely  crowded  with  spec 
tators,  the  coffins  were  taken  from  the  hearses,  and  placed 
on  trestles  in  front  of  the  platform.  Upon  each  coffin  the 
hand  of  affection  had  scattered  flowers  and  laurel  wreaths, 
and  upon  those  containing  the  bodies  of  PEARSON  and  BAX 
TER,  were  laid  their  swords  and  other  portions  of  their  ac 
coutrements  they  had  worn  when  alive.  The  soldiery 
advancing  with  slow  and  solemn  tread,  formed  a  hollow 
square,  enclosing  the  space  where  the  bodies  were  depos 
ited,  the  various  bands  the  while  performing  the  most 
touching  airs  best  befitting  the  occasion. 

BEFORE  THE  CITY  HALL, 

the  scene  was  most  imposing  and  impressive.     Conspicu 
ous  upon  the  platform  was  the  flag  presented  by  the  Com- 


26 

mon  Council,  in  the  name  of  the  City,  to  the  New  York 
Regiment,  just  previous  to  its  departure  for  Vera  Cruz. 
Torn,  tattered  and  blood-drenched,  it  told  a  fearful  story 
of  its  own,  which  the  scarred  volunteers  who  bore  it  hither 
from  Mexico,  in  the  steamer  Edith,  seemed  minutely  to 
corroborate.  The  area,  in  front,  the  windows,  balconies 
and  roofs,  were  literally  alive  with  human  beings,  of  all 
ages,  ranks  and  conditions  of  life.  The  police  did  their 
duty,  however,  quietly  and  efficiently,  and  not  the  slight 
est  disorder  was  perceptible.  The  arrangements  in  this 
respect  were,  in  fact,  perfect.  Every  nook  and  corner 
swarmed  with  human  beings,  and  even  the  trees  bent  be 
neath  their  living  load.  Upon  the  platform  were  seated 
JOHN  VAN  BUREN,  Esq.,  Orator  of  the  day,  the  Clergy, 
members  of  the  New  York  and  Brooklyn  Common  Councils, 
and  the  representatives  of  the  Press. 


THE  CEREMONIES 

were  opened   by  the  following  eloquent  prayer,   by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  FERRIS,  of  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church  : 

ALMIGHTY  AND  MOST  HOLY  GOD  !  we  bow  before  Thee, 
on  this  most  solemn  and  affecting  occasion,  with  the  deep 
feeling  of  our  personal  unworthiness  and  sinfulness.  Who 
are  we,  that  we  should  come  before  Thee  ?  Verily  we 
die,  worms  of  the  dust — creatures  of  a  day  !  We  adore 
thee  as  the  living  and  true  God — as  the  King  Eternal, 
Immortal  and  Invisible — worthy  of  all  homage,  both  as  a 
being  infinite  and  eternal,  and  as  the  source  of  all  bless- 


27 

ing.  To  us,  in  thy  presence,  belong  shame  and  con 
fusion  of  face,  while  glory,  and  dominion,  and  power,  are 
thine.  Called  together  in  thy  providence,  under  circum 
stances  of  unusual  character,  we  beg  audience  at  thy 
throne  of  mercy,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  We 
mourn  over  the  removal  of  dear  friends  by  the  visitations 
of  war,  while  we  admire  their  heroic  example  ;  we  mingle 
our  sympathies  with  the  large  circle  of  sorrowing  rela 
tives  to  whose  affections  they  shall  never  return.  We 
beg  thee,  in  mercy,  to  bind  up  the  broken  heart  and  ap 
point  a  speedy  reconciliation  and  relief  to  those  to  that 
mourn;  remember  graciously  the  families  and  relatives  of 
all  those  who  have  fallen  in  battle  or  by  disease — espe 
cially,  be  thou  the  God  of  the  widow,  and  the  fatherless, 
and  the  orphan.  To  whom  shall  we  look  but  to  thee  1 — 
all  power  is  thine,  all  consolations  are  thine,  and  mercy  is 
thine.  Pity  thou,  we  beseech  thee,  all  descriptions  of 
suffers  by  the  recent  war  with  a  neighboring  republic, 
and  overrule  all  the  evils  which  have  been  endured.  On 
this  occasion  we  would  commend  to  thy  special  favor  the 
companions  in  arms  of  the  departed,  who  are  gathered 
around  their  biers,  and  the  shattered  remnant  of  hardy 
men  whom  they  commanded,  who  have  just  been  brought 
to  their  homes. 

Oh,  God  !  we  mourn  over  the  ravages  of  war,  even 
among  the  victorious  ;  over  our  whole  land  the  mourners 
bow  their  heads  in  the  dust  for  dear  friends  whom  they 
shall  see  no  more.  Grant  them  mercy,  and  grant  that  we 
may  learn  war  no  more.  We  thank  thee  for  the  return 
of  peace — may  she  ever  abide  among  us,  and  our  beloved 
country  be  distinguished  for  the  cultivation  of  the  arts  of 


peace  and  advancement  in  piety.  Hasten  the  blessed 
period  when  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  shall  cease  from 
war,  and  the  power  of  the  gospel  shall  be  universally  felt ; 
and  may  we,  as  a  people,  be  eminently  thine  instruments 
in  accomplishing  so  desirable  an  end — may  it  be  our  special 
privilege  to  give  the  word  of  life  and  a  free  gospel  to  the 
people  who  through  us  have  suffered  sadly  by  the  scourges 
of  war,  and  thus  repair,  as  far  as  may  be,  the  injuries 
which  have  been  sustained.  We  commend  to  thy  pater 
nal  care  the  bereft,  widow  and  family  of  him  who,  in  seek 
ing-  to  bring  the  remains  of  a  beloved  officer  to  his  com 
panions  and  relatives,  has  fallen  a  victim  to  disease. 
Having  made  the  dearest  of  sacrifices  to  friendship,  may 
his  stricken  family  never  fail  to  enjoy  all  that  warm,  de 
voted  friendship  can  do — above  all,  may  the  consolations 
of  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  theirs.  Grant 
us  thy  blessing  in  the  exercises  of  this  occasion — aid  in 
every  duty  ;  and  may  such  impressions  be  made,  and  such 
purposes  formed,  as  shall  in  their  results,  redound  to  thy 
glory,  above  all  things,  and  our  good.  Hear  us,  in  these 
supplications,  only  for  the  sake  of  our  intercessor,  Jesus 
Christ,  and  to  the  Father,  and  the  Son,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  be  all  the  praise.  AMEN. 


29 

Alderman  GRAY,  of  the  Committee,  then  introduced  the 
Orator  of  the  Day, 

JOHN  VAN  BUREN,  ESQ., 
who  delivered  the  following 

ADDRESS  : 

FELLOW  CITIZENS  : — The  proceedings  which  have  thus 
far  marked  this  melancholy  occasion,  have  been  in  all  res 
pects  appropriate.  It  is  eminently  fit  and  proper  that  the 
citizens  of  this  metropolis,  the  popular  heart  and  commer 
cial  centre  of  our  great  confederacy,  should  signalize  by 
public  observances,  the  return  to  them  of  the  bodies  of 
those  whose  lives  have  been  yielded  to  the  service  of  the 
Republic.  Scarcely  eighteen  months  since,  those  young 
men  (save  one,)  left  us  full  of  hope  and  health,  and  rushed 
to  the  standard  unfurled  by  our  troops  on  the  soil  of  a 
foreign  enemy.  They  doubtless  counted  on  returning 
crowned  with  honor,  to  resume  their  accustomed  avoca 
tions  ;  but  that  Providence  that  turns  to  ashes  all  human 
calculations,  restores  them  to  you  thus — (pointing  to  the 
coffins.)  The  brilliant  pageant  of  this  day,  its  military 
and  civic  display,  its  parade  and  pomp,  its  concourse  of 
grateful  people,  its  solemn  aspect,  and  above  all,  its  moral, 
which  conveys  comfort  and  courage  to  the  defenders  of  a 
free  government  every  where,  will  mark  the  12th  of  July, 
1848,  as  an  epoch  in  the  history  of  freemen.  To  describe 
these  ceremonies  to  you,  would  be  only  to  remind  you  of 
what  you  see,  and  feel,  and  do.  It  seems  to  me  more 
suitable,  in  compliance  with  the  invitation  to  participate 
in  these  ceremonies,  which  I  have  received  from  the  Com- 


30 

mon  Council,  to  ask  your  attention  to  a  cursory  sketch  of 
those  whose  memories  are  honored  by  these  splendid  de 
monstrations  of  popular  respect,  honor  and  gratitude. 
The  first  to  claim  our  notice,  is  the  individual  whose  mis 
fortune  it  was  to  be  debarred  from  participating  in  the 
glories  of  the  war,  and  who  met  his  death  whilst  engaged 
in  the  solemn  and  painful  duty  of  bringing  to  their  final 
resting  place,  the  earthly  remains  of  those,  who,  in  com 
mon  with  himself  now  lie  before  you.  Mr.  Alexander  S. 
Forbes,  an  estimable  citizen  of  this  place,  was  a  second 
Lieutenant  of  the  Second  Reigment  of  New  York  Volun 
teers.  That  regiment  not  being  ordered  into  service,  his 
desire  to  serve  the  country  in  this  capacity  was  not  grati 
fied ;  a  private  in  the  Baxter  Blues,  and  well  acquainted 
with  the  distinguished  officers  of  the  First  Regiment,  whose 
lives  had  been  the  forfeit  of  their  patriotic  devotion,  he 
was  selected  by  the  Common  Council  as  the  agent  for 
bringing  their  remains  to  this  city,  In  discharge  of  this 
melancholy  duty  he  repaired  to  Mexico,  and  had  reached 
New  Orleans  on  his  way  home,  he  was  then  seized  with 
fever  and  died  on  the  20th  of  June,  1848.  The  universal 
favorite  of  his  acquaintances  while  living,  his  death  is 
deeply  and  widely  lamented.  The  gallant  officers  whose 
remains  he  had  thus  far  conveyed  to  the  city,  and  whose 
memory  we  are  assembled  to  honor,  were  Lieutenants 
Chandler  and  Gallagher,  Captains  Pearson  and  Barclay, 
and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Baxter.  I  propose  to  refer  you, 
rapidly,  to  such  few  prominent  circumstances  in  regard  to 
each,  as  I  have  had  the  time  and  opportunity  to  learn. 

LIEUT.  EDGAR  CHANDLER  was  born  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  on  the  17th  day  of  March,  1823  ;  he  was  the  eldest 


31 

son  of  Gen.  Adoniram  Chandler,  who  served  as  a  volun 
teer  during  the  war  of  1812,  under  Gen.  Scott,  at  the  tak 
ing  of  Fort  George,  and  was  under  Commodore  Chauncey 
in  the   engagements  of  the  Genesee  river,  with  Sir  James 
Yoe,  and  in  Burlington  bay.     Lieut.  Chandler  was  exem 
plary  and  studious  in   his  habits;  modest  and  unassuming 
in  his  manners.     A  fondness  for  military  life  led  to  appli 
cations,  in  his  behalf,  for  a  place  in  the  military  school  at 
West   Point,    which   were,    however,    unsuccessful.     The 
same  motive  induced  him  to  accept  the  offer  of  a  lieuten 
ancy  in  the  First  Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers.     He 
landed  under  Gen.  Scott,  at.  Vera  Cruz,  and  participated, 
with  his  regiment,  in  the  battles  of  Cerro  Gordo,  and  Con- 
teras,  and   fell  mortally  wounded  on   the    field  of  Churu- 
busco,  August  20,  1847,  as  is  testified  by  his  commanding 
officer,    "  whilst   gallantly    sustaining   his   colors."      He 
survived  his   wound    until  ten   A.  M.,  next   day,  when  he 
expired  in  the    arms  of  his  associate,  Lieut.  Henry,  with 
entire    calmness  and    resignation — not  a  murmur    having 
escaped  his  lips  from   the  moment  he  was  wounded  until 
life  became  extinct.   He  obtained  the  respect  and  confidence 
of  his  fellow  officers  and  soldiers,  and  fell   deeply  regretted 
by  all  who  knew  him.    Cut  off  at  the  early  age  of  twenty- 
four,  his  character  was  only  beginning  to  show  the  fruits 
which   thorough  education,  strict  integrity  and  masculine 
intellect  promised   to    produce.     Among  these,  the    most 
conspicuous  was   a   punctilious  fidelity  in  the  discharge  of 
every  trust  confided   to  him.     His  parents,   who  knew  him 
best,  can  most  keenly  appreciate  his  loss — and  the  military 
experience  of  his  sorrowing   father  will,   we  trust,  enable 
him  to  derive  consolation  from  the  reflection  that  he  met  a 


32 

dealh  which  a  soldier  might,  expect — in  a  manner  which  a 
soldier  must  envy. 

LIEUT.  CHARLES  F.  GALLAGHER  died  at  Misoac,  the  10th 
of  September,  1847,  at  the  age  of  27.  He  was  a  native  of 
New  York,  and  served  as  Adjutant  of  the  First  Regiment ; 
he  distinguished  himself  at  the  battles  of  Vera  Cruz  and 
Cerro  Gordo,  and  died  of  sickness  incurred  by  privation 
and  exposure  in  the  service  of  his  country.  Lieut.  Gal 
lagher  was  a  model  of  manly  beauty,  and  shared  in  a 
large  degree,  the  admiration,  attachment  and  love  of  his 
companions  in  arms.  Foremost,  not  only  to  the  field,  but 
in  the  discharge  of  those  less  obtrusive,  but  no  less  neces 
sary,  duties  of  detail  and  discipline,  the  life  which  he  had 
freely  periled  in  battle,  was  eventually  sacrificed  to  the  less 
grateful  and  attractive  calls  of  his  position.  A  just  public 
will  compensate  the  absence  of  any  brillancy  in  his  death, 
by  a  higher  appreciation  of  the  memory  of  his  virtues. 

CAPT.  CHARLES  H.  PEARSON  was  descended  from  ances 
tors  who  had  devoted  a  large  portion  of  their  lives  to  the 
service  of  their  country.  His  grandfather,  Nathaniel 
Pearson,  served  under  Gen.  Washington,  with  honor,  dur 
ing  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  was  on  guard  on  the  day 
when  Andre  was  executed.  Charles  Pearson,  the  father  of 
Captain  Pearson,  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  British, 
during  the  late  war,  and  confined  for  two  years  in  the 
.Dartmouth  prison.  His  son,  Charles  H.  Pearson,  whose 
remains  now  lie  before  you,  was  born  at  Portland,  Maine, 
on  the  13th  May,  1815.  He  was  educated  at  the  Wes- 
lyan  Seminary,  Reedfield,  Maine,  and  came  to  Brooklyn 


33 

to  reside,  at  the  age  of  about  17.  A  large  portion  of  his 
time  was  devoted  to  military  pursuits.  Gentle  and  unas 
suming  in  his  manners,  he  had  yet  acquired  in  an  emi 
nent  degree,  the  power  of  influencing  the  action  of  his 
associates  and  companions.  The  Municipal  Guard  of 
Brooklyn,  were  disbanded,  and  subsequently  re-organized 
under  the  name  of  the  Brooklyn  Light  Guard,  a  corps 
which  he  commanded  for  several  years,  and  which  were 
distinguished  for  their  discipline  and  good  conduct.  In 
compliment  of  the  deceased  they  now  bear  the  honored 
name  of  the  Pearson  Guards.  His  anxiety  to  engage  in 
the  Mexican  campaign  induced  him,  although  chosen  a 
captain  in  the  Second  Regiment  of  Volunteers,  to  accept 
a  lieutenancy  in  the  first,  when  it  was  called  into  the  field. 
The  resignation  of  a  captain  in  his  company  elevated  him 
to  the  same  rank  which  he  had  held  in  the  second  regiment. 
He  commanded  Company  E,  and  was  the  color  captain 
of  his  regiment.  He  served  with  honor  in  the  entire 
campaign  from  Vera  Cruz  to  the  gates  of  Mexico,  receiv 
ing  the  wound  which  caused  his  death  on  the  13th  of  Sep 
tember,  1847,  at  Chapukepec,  within  sight  of  the  city  of 
Mexico,  and  was  carried  to  that  capitol  where  he  died  on 
the  10th  October  following.  The  concurrent  testimony 
of  all  who  knew  Captain  Pearson  in  every  relation  of  life 
represents  him  as  an  upright,  modest,  generous  and  con 
fiding  man,  an  attentive  and  accomplished  officer,  and  a 
brave  soldier.  Ardently  attached  to  the  profession  to 
which  he  had  devoted  so  much  of  his  time,  he  sought  and 
found  in  it  distinction  during  life,  and  a  death  at  the  early 
age  of  32,  which  those  who  most  lament  his  loss  cannot 
fail  to  respect  and  admire. 


34 

CAPT.  JAMES  BARCLAY  was  a  native  of  Albany.  He 
served  under  Gen.  Scott,  and  was  noted  for  his  distinguish 
ed  gallantry  in  the  various  engagements  which  rendered 
so  illustrious  the  progsess  of  our  troops  from  the  coast  to 
the  capital  of  the  Mexican  Republic.  He  died  suddenly, 
January  30th,  1848,  at  Mexico,  aged  28,  leaving  a  widow 
and  child  to  mourn  his  loss.  He  had  frequently  expressed 
a  wish  to  die,  as  he  said,  "  with  his  harness  on  ;"  and  so 
sudden  was  the  message  that  terminated  his  existence, 
that  death  found  him  as  he  had  desired — clad  in  full  mili 
tary  costume.  No  braver  soldier  or  more  generous-hearted 
man  will  be  remembered  by  the  associates  and  companions 
whom  this  brilliant  but  destructive  campaign  has  afflicted 
and  bereaved. 

LIEUT.  COLONEL  CHARLES  BAXTER  was  born  in  this 
city  on  the  22d  day  of  December,  1814.  His  father, 
Stephen  Baxter,  was  at  that  time  a  lieutenant  and  pay 
master  of  a  regiment  of  New  York  State  Volunteers,  in  the 
service  of  the  United  States.  Five  of  his  great  uncles,  by 
the  name  of  Rosekrans,  natives  of  Dutchess  county,  served 
as  officers  in  the  American  army  during  the  Revolutionary 
war.  His  brother  William  was  a  sergeant-major  in  the 
army,  and  was  supposed  to  have  fallen  in  the  Florida 
war.  At  the  age  of  20  he  joined  the  Pulaski  Cadets,  un 
der  the  command  of  Capt.  McArdle.  The  following  year 
he  raised  the  company  of  Kosciusko  Cadets,  which  corps 
subsequently,  and  during  his  absence  at  the  South,  was 
disbanded.  In  1839  he  was  elected  Captain  of  the  Scott 
Cadets,  which  company,  by  his  indefatigable  exertions,  was 
placed  upon  a  footing  of  high  respectability,  and  was  af 
terwards  consolidated  with  the  Tompkins'  Cadets,  and  took 


35 

their  name.  This  corps,  swollen  by  accessions  from  the 
Tompkins'  Blues,  was  for  many  years  distinguished  for  its 
discipline  and  standing,  and  in  these  respects  compared 
advantageously  with  the  best  drilled  companies  in  the 
regular  service.  The  prospect  of  a  serious  difficulty  with 
Great  Britain  in  1845,  in  regard  to  the  boundary  of  Ore 
gon,  induced  Captain  Baxter,  in  connection  with  other 
military  gentlemen,  to  attempt  the  organization  of  a  bri 
gade  of  two  regiments.  Although  the  disposition  of  the 
Oregon  question  rendered  the  use  of  this  force  unnecessary, 
it  was  doubtless  owing  to  this  circumstance  that  two  regi 
ments  out  of  the  seven,  which  the  President  required  from 
this  state  to  aid  in  conducting  the  war  with  Mexico,  were 
mustered  within  the  time  specified  by  the  order  of  the 
government.  Of  these  two  regiments,  Ward  B.  Burnett 
was  elected  colonel  of  one  and  Charles  Baxter  of  the  other. 
The  dates  of  their  commissions  being  determined  by  lot, 
Colonel  Burnett  obtained  the  seniority.  In  the  fall  of 
1848,  Colonel  Baxter  was  elected  to  the  Assembly,  but 
learning  that  the  first  regiment  had  been  called  into  ser 
vice,  and  fearing  that  the  second  might  not  be,  he  resigned 
his  seat  in  the  Assembly,  and  his  command  of  the  second 
regiment,  and  accepted  a  lieutenant  colonelcy  in  the 
first.  In  November,  1846,  the  Tompkins'  Blues,  as  a  tes 
timonial  of  respect  for  his  character,  presented  him  with  a 
splendid  sword,  bearing  upon  one  side  of  the  blade  the 
motto,  "  Thy  energy  won  me,"  and  on  the  other,  "  Thy 
courage  will  hold  me."  A  resolution  was  also  passed  re 
questing  him  to  retain  his  command  of  the  company, 
which  he  did  till  the  day  of  his  death.  The  particulars  of 
his  life  subsequently  to  his  leaving  the  city,  and  the  cir- 


cumstances   attending   his  death,  are  thus  truly  and  elo 
quently  described  in  the  Sunday  Atlas  : 

Lieut.  Col.  Baxter  left  New  York  with  his  regiment,  in 
January,  1847,  and  arrived  at  the  Island  of  Lobos,  where 
the  troops  were  concentrated  for  the  expedition  to  Vera 
Cruz,  and  for  military  instruction.  It  is  said  that  his  mili 
tary  skill  was  there  noticed,  and  that  he  was  detained  as 
military  instructor  of  brigade.  He  was  at  the  taking  of 
Vera  Cruz,  from  which  place  he  commanded  a  detach 
ment  of  eighty  men  to  the  relief  of  a  foraging  party,  who 
were  said  to  be  surrounded  by  a  large  body  of  Mexicans. 
About  nine  miles  from  the  city  he  met  the  foragers  on 
their  return,  but  proceeded  and  came  up  with  two  hun 
dred  of  the  enemy,  and  after  a  short  engagement,  defeated 
and  routed  them. 

He  was  at  the  battle  of  Cerro  Gordo,  where  a  portion  of 
his  regiment  were  distinguished  and  noticed  by  Gen. 
Twiggs,  in  a  letter  to  Col.  Burnett,  in  which  one  of  Bax 
ter's  pupils,  Sergeant  Marx  Manly  Hart,  with  others,  was 
commended  for  the  gallant  and  close  pursuit  they  gave 
Santa  Anna,  being  at  one  time  between  three  and  four 
miles  in  advance  of  the  main  body. 

At  the  battle  of  Contreras,  his  regiment,  in  General 
Shields'  brigade,  was  stationed  at  a  hamlet  to  cut  off  the 
retreat  of  the  enemy  after  their  route,  and  to  protect  ihe 
flank  of  Gen.  Smith's  commnnd,  who  soon  drove  them 
from  their  position  in  confusion.  The  following  extract 
from  General  Shields,  gives  an  account  of  the  action  in 
which  he  participated  : — "  At  this  juncture,  I  ordered  the 


37 

two  regiments  of  my  command  to  throw  themselves  on  the 
main  road,  by  which  the  enemy  must  retire,  to  intercept 
and  cut  off  his  retreat  ;  and,  although  officers  and  men 
had  suffered  severely  during  the  march  of  the  night,  and 
from  exposure  without  shelter  o'r  cover  to  the  incessant 
rain  until  daybreak,  this  movement  was  executed  in  good 
order,  and  with  rapidity.  The  Palmetto  Regiment 
crossing  a  deep  ravine,  deployed  on  both  sides  the  road, 
and  opened  a  most  destructive  fire  upon  the  mingled  mas 
ses  of  infantry  and  cavalry  ;  and  the  New  York  Regiment, 
brought  into  line  lower  down,  and  on  the  road  side,  de 
livered  its  fire  with  like  effect.  At  this  point,  many  of 
the  enemy  were  killed  and  wounded  ;  some  365  captured, 
of  which  25  were  officers,  and  amongst  the  latter  was  Gen. 
Nicholas  Nendoza. 

At  the  battle  of  Churubusco,  Colonel  Burnett  having 
fallen  early  in  the  action,  severely  wounded,  the  com 
mand  devolved  upon  Lieutenant  Col.  Baxter.  General 
Shields,  in  his  report,  speaks  thus  forcibly  for  the  gallantry 
of  his  brigade,  the  New  York  and  South  Carolina  Volun 
teers.  "  In  this  terrible  battle,  in  which  a  strongly  forti 
fied  enemy  fought  behind  his  works,  under  the  walls  of  his 
capital,  our  loss  is  necessarily  severe.  The  loss,  I  regret 
to  say,  has  fallen  most  severely  upon  my  command.  In 
the  two  regiments  of  my  own  brigade,  numbering  about 
600  in  the  fight,  the  loss  is  reported  240  in  killed  and 
wounded."  The  report  notices  the  services  of  Lieut.  Col. 
Baxter,  and  others,  as  follows  : — "  In  closing  this  report, 
I  beg  to  offer  my  thanks  to  the  many  gallant  officers  of  my 
command  for  their  zealous  and  fearless  support  during  the 
conflict.  To  Col.  Burnett,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Baxter  of  the 


38 

New  York  Volunteers  ;  to  Lieut.  Col.  Dickinson,  and  Ma 
jor  Gladden,  South  Carolina  Volunteers,  as  also  to  many 
of  their  gallant  subordinates,  every  praise  is  due." 

Tho  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  an  officer  of  the 
New  York  regiment,  dated  Oct.  17,  1847,  gives  a  more 
particular  account  of  his  regiment  in  this  contest : 

k£  At  Churubusco,  the  New  York  regiment  made  the 
first  charge  alone,  the  South  Carolina  regiment  being 
nearly  two  hundred  yards  in  the  rear,  coming  up  by  the 
flank;  Col.  Burnett  fell  in  the  first  charge,  severely  woun 
ded,  with  about  eighty  officers  and  men.  *  * 
Lieut.  Col.  Baxter  formed  the  basis  of  a  line  of  battle  for 
the  brigade  to  form  on  ;  the  South  Carolinians  then  came 
up  handsomely,  and  formed  on  our  regiment,  when,  the 
order  being  given,  both  regiments  charged  in  gallant  style, 
supported  by  the  ninth  infantry." 

Lieut.  Col.  Baxter  fell  mortally  wounded  while  leading 
his  regiment  in  the  assault  on  Chapultepec,  having  re 
ceived  two  musket  balls  in  the  groin,  and  died  in  the  city 
of  Mexico,  on  September  18th,  1848,  The  flag  of  his  reg- 
ment  was  the  first  to  float  over  the  castle,  and  to  one  of 
his  officers,  Lieut.  Brower,  iis  commandant,  the  veteran 
and  distinguished  Gen.  Bravo  surrendered. 

Gen.  Quitman  speaks  thus  briefly,  but  forcibly,  of  Lieut. 
Col.  Baxter,  in  his  report  of  the  battle  : 

"  The  brave  Captain  Van  Olinda,  of  the  New  York  reg- 
jment,  was  killed  at  the  head  of  his  company  ;  Lieut.  Col. 


39 

Baxter,  of  the  same  regiment,  a  valuable  and. esteemed  of 
ficer,  while  gallantly  leading  his  command,  fell  mortally 
wounded  near  the  wall." 

On  the  reception  of  the  news  of  his  death,  the  officers  of 
the  Second  Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers  held  a 
meeting,  at  which  they  passed  resolutions  expressive  of 
the  high  regard  they  entertained  for  his  character  as  a 
citizen,  his  gallantry  and  skill  as  an  officer,  and  his  devo 
tion  as  a  patriot,  while  he  lived,  and  of  the  deep  sorrow 
they  felt  for  his  untimely,  but  glorious  death.  Resolu 
tions,  embodying  the  same  sentiments,  were  adopted  by 
the  Independent  Guard,  and  the  Independent  Tompkins' 
Blues,  of  this  city,  and  copies  sent  to  his  disconsolate 
mother.  This  company,  at  the  same  time,  with  a  feeling 
which  did  credit  to  them,  changed  their  name  to  Baxter 
Blues,  as  a  memento  to  the  memory  and  honor  of  their 
late  commandant. 

On  the  news  of  his  death  being  communicated  to  the 
Legislature,  resolutions  were  passed,  expressive  of  their 
approbation  of  his  services  and  patriotism,  and  their  sor 
row  for  his  death,  copies  of  which  were  sent  to  his  mother, 
and  both  bodies  adjourned  for  the  usual  time,  as  a  mark  of 
respect  to  the  memory  of  their  deceased  associate. 

Alderman  Purser  offered  similar  resolutions  in  the  Com 
mon  Council,  which  were  adopted  in  relation  to  him  and 
the  gallant  and  lamented  Lieut.  Chandler,  and  also  one 
to  appoint  a  committee  to  co-operale  with  any  military 
bodies  in  making  arrangements  to  bring  on  the  remain.s  of 
those  officers. 


His  last  words,  as  related  in  a  letter  written  by  a  gen 
tleman,  in  whose  arms  he  died,  to  his  father,  a  friend  of 
Baxter's,  will  illustrate  the  keep  interest  he  felt  in  the 
glory  of  his  regiment,  the  honor  of  his  state,  and  his  own 
fame.  This  gentleman  attended  him  with  the  kindness 
and  affection  of  a  brother.  On  the  night  of  his  death,  he 
awoke  from  a  doze,  and  in  the  following  jocose  manner, 
addressed  his  friend  :  — 

u  Mac  —  Doc  —  what  are  you  doing? 

The  doctor  answered  that  he  was  writing  to  his  father. 


" 


Then  say  to  him  that  the  New  York  Regiment  was 
there,  and  that  I  fell  where  I  should  have  fallen,  at  the 
head  of  it." 

These  were  the  last  expressions  of  this  honored  son  of 
New  York,  who,  a  few  minutes  afterwards,  was  a  corps  in 
the  arms  of  his  friend  . 

Thus  departed  the  spirit  of  one  of  the  most  promising 
and  gallant  young  officers  that  ever  entered  the  volunteer 
service  of  his  country.  His  skill  and  courage  were  ac 
knowledged  and  admired  by  all  who  served  with  him  in 
the  achievement  of  those  splendid  victories,  from  Veia 
Cruz  to  the  city  of  Mexico,  which,  will  be  so  memorable 
in  our  national  history.  In  his  death,  his  country  has 
lost  a  valuable  and  distinguished  officer  and  patriot,  his 
state  a  good  citizen,  and  a  large  circle  of  acquaintances  an 
esteemed  friend.  He  was  kind  in  feeling,  gentle  in  his 
deportment,  and  in  all  his  relations  of  life  conducted  him 
self  with  the  strictest  propriety  and  integrity. 


41 

Fellow-citizens,  I  have  thus  detailed  to  you,  in  a  man 
ner  far  from  interesting,  I  fear,  the  prominent  features  of 
the  lives  we  are  commemorating.  Yon  will  be  struck,  as 
I  was,  by  the  extreme  youth  of  all  the  deceased.  At  an 
age  when  maturity  seems  in  other  countries  to  commence, 
we  find  lives  of  honor  here  closed  by  their  sacrifices  upon 
the  altar  of  patriotism.  The  youth,  which  is  the  reproach 
cast  upon  our  government  from  abroad,  seems  to  invest, 
with  its  disinterestedness  and  its  energy,  the  citizens  who 
give  the  highest  glory  and  success  to  the  working  of  our 
republic. 

These  young  men  were  almost  all  natives  of  our  state 
— they  reflect  glory  upon  the  commonwealth  which  has 
given  them  to  the  Union.  It  is  a  singular  circumslance 
that  they  were,  almost  without  exception,  descended  from 
ancestors  who  had  distinguished  themselves  in  military 
life,  and  it  would  seem  as  if  the  Providence  which  watched 
over  our  happy  country,  had  ordered  that  while  we  reject 
hereditary  titles,  diffuse  and  distribute  to  the  greatest  at 
tainable  extent,  worldly  wealth,  and  avoid  and  fear  stand 
ing  armies  in  time  of  peace,  yet  that  our  liberties  shall  be 
guarded  by  the  transmission,  in  unimpaired  strength  and 
full  volume,  from  generation  to  generation,  of  the  valuable 
qualities  of  bravery  and  military  skill,  and  the  signal 
virtue  of  patriotism  on  which  the  vindication  of  national 
honor,  and  the  preservation  of  our  position  and  fame,  un 
der  Providence,  depend. 

Those  gallant  officers,  too,  were  volunteers — a  class  of 
miliiary  men  whose  merits  and  demerits  have  been  largely 
discussed. 


42 

The  Mexican  war  would  seem  to  have  established  the 
fact  beyond  dispute,  that  in  actwe  and  official  service  in 
the  field,  a  volunteer  force  is  surpassed  by  none,  and  why 
should  it  not  be  so  1  A  citizen  called  from  the  responsi 
bilities  and  associations  of  civil  life,  leaves  behind  him 
those  who  observe  his  conduct,  and  whose  good  opinion 
can  only  be  secured  by  meritorious  and  gallant  bearing. 
We  have  a  right  to  expect  from  him  intelligent  action,  and 
knowing  as  he  must  that  his  own  safety,  as  well  as  the 
success  of  the  military  operations  in  which  he  is  engaged, 
depends  on  obedience  and  strict  discipline,  it  has  seemed 
to  me  always  inevitable  that  an  American  volunteer,  of 
good  character,  must  make  the  best  soldier  in  the  world. 
He  has  the  intelligence  which  enables  him  to  appreciate 
the  necessity  of  obedience,  and  the  position  at  home  which 
pride  will  not  permit  him  to  sacrifice.  With  every  capaci 
ty,  then,  to  learn  his  duty,  and  every  motive  to  stimulate 
his  ambition,  it  has  not  surprised  me  to  see  the  extraordi 
nary  and  unparalleled  success  which  has  attended  our  ar 
mies  in  Mexico,  composed  mainly  of  volunteers,  nor  to 
find  the  citizens  of  New  York  amongst  the  first  soldiers  of 
the  Republic. 

Fellow-citizens,  I  have  endeavored  carefully  to  avoid 
any  thing  like  indiscriminate  praise,  or  exaggerated  pa 
negyric — these  are  not  natural  to  my  disposition  ;  and  I 
could  undertake  no  special  duty,  however  grateful  or  hon 
orable,  that  should  require  me  to  express  sentiments  I  do 
not  honestly  entertain.  Fulsome  adulation  of  the  dead  is 
not  only  injurious  to  them,  but  is  unjust  to  the  living.  It 
seemed  to  me  more  wise  to  confine  my  remarks  chiefly  to 
their  acts  ;  for  it  is  on  these  they  will  be  judged  by  the 
present  public  and  posterity. 


43 

The  Mexican  campaign  has  elicited  military  talent  of 
the  highest  order.  We  have  seen  a  commander  landing 
ten  thousand  troops  without  an  accident,  upon  an  enemy's 
coast,  and  almost  under  the  guns  of  a  fortress  supposed  to 
be  impregnable — subjugating  this  fortress,  subsisting  those 
troops,  and  marching  ihem  three  hundred  miles,  through  a 
country  extremely  difficult  of  access,  and  a  dense  popula 
tion  of  a  disposition  naturally  warlike,  and  presided  over 
by  a  chieftain  of  the  highest  reputation  for  military  skill, 
carrying  by  storm,  and  in  the  face  of  extraordinary  odds, 
the  strongest  positions  for  assault  and  defence,  taking  and 
leaving  behind  him  cities  far  larger  than  any,  save  one,  in 
our  state,  until  without  a  defeat,  check  or  even  a  serious 
disaster,  he  planted  this  small  band  of  warriors  in  the  heart 
and  capital  of  the  foe,  where  they  reposed,  surrounded  by 
a  hostile  population  of  two  hundred  thousand  souls  for 
months,  in  perfect  security  and  tranquility  ;  and  event 
ually  compelled  a  country  containing  seven  millions  of 
warlike  people,  and  the  elements  of  extraordinary  wealth, 
to  submit  to  terms  of  peace  satisfactory  to  the  invaders, 
and  welcome  to  the  government  in  whose  service  they 
fought. 

A  volume  would  be  too  short  to  do  justice  to  the  achieve 
ments  which  1  am  forced  to  compress  into  a  sentence; 
but,  in  my  judgment,  impartial  posterisy  will  award  to  the 
hero  of  this  campaign  the  honor  of  being  one  of  the 
ablest,  if  not  the  ablest  living  general  of  his  day. 

This  is  not  the  occasion  nor  the  time  to  describe  in 
detail  the  action  of  the  hosts  of  military  men  who  have 
distinguished  themselves  in  Mexico.  I  can  only  speak  of 
the  commanders  of  the  two  armies. 


44 

The  engagements  of  General  TAYLOR  at  Palo  Alto  and 
Recsaca  de  la  Pal  ma,  fearful  as  they  were,  and  desperate 
as  they  seemed, — the  capture  of  Monterey,  the  bloody  and 
obstinate  resistance  and  victory  of  Buena  Visla,  together 
with  the  intelligence,  good  sense,  modesty  and  humanity  of 
that  distinguished  commander,  have  made  a  wide  and  deep 
impression  upon  the  public  mind,  and  secured  to  him  the 
lasting  admiration  and  gratitude  of  his  country.  So  con 
spicuous  is  this  truth  that  a  large  number  of  his  fellow- 
citizens  are  prepared  and  anxious  to  invest  him  with  the 
highest  office  in  their  gift,  the  greatest  trust  in  the  world. 


But  why  do  I  speak  of  commanders  1  Should  we  over 
look  the  great  army  of  privates?  These  men  see  war  in 
all  its  horrors  ;  on  the  march — in  camp — in  battle — the 
stern  and  severe  and  trying  labors  of  military  life,  devolve 
on  them.  The  luxuries  of  a  camp  they  never  know — the 
charms  of  society  in  a  foreign  country  they  rarely  enjoy. 
Public  notices  of  their  gallantry  are  seldom  given  ;  and 
cut  down  in  the  discharge  of  their  duty,  either  by  disease 
or  carnage,  no  stone  marks  the  place  of  their  final  repose ; 
no  kindness  brings  their  remains  to  the  resting  place  of 
their  fathers — no  public  testimonials  of  recollection,  grati 
tude  and  honor  wait  upon  their  interment,  yet  in  the  hearts 
of  these  men  beats  the  same  devoted  patriotism — in  their 
action  is  manifested  the  same  stern  sense  of  duty — in  their 
breasts  breathe  frequently  the  same  high  hopes — the  same 
noble  resolves — and  around  them  cluster  the  same  ties  of 
associations,  kindred  and  blood,  that  lend  interest,  dignity 
and  character  to  the  most  illustrious  military  chieftain  ; 
and  from  such  a  material  as  them  in  times  past,  have  been 


45 

and  again  will  be  hewn,  sovereigns,  heroes  and  champions 
of  popular  liberty. 

Brilliant  as  has  been  the  conduct  of  officers  of  every 
grade  in  the  recent  feats  of  valor  that  have  reflected  such 
glory  upon  the  American  arms,  no  one  circumstance  stands 
out  more  proudly  and  gratefully  to  the  observation  of  the 
country,  than  the  order,  steadiness  and  conspicuous  valor 
of  the  rank  and  file  of  our  armies  in  Mexico. 

In  view  of  (hese  facts,  notorious  as  they  are  to  every 
intelligent  citizen,  I  could  not  select  even  the  distinguished 
men  whose  remains  lie  before  you,  as  the  objects  of  over 
strained  praise  and  flattery.  He  who  does  so,  would  be 
untrue  lo  history,  unkind  to  them,  unjust  to  himself,  and 
unfaithful,  not  only  to  those  patriotic  citizens,  who  with  the 
same  ardent  desire  to  serve  their  country,  have  not  enjoyed 
the  opportunity,  but  also  to  those  armies  of  heroes  and 
patriots  to  whose  action  I  have  thus  briefly  and  hastily 
adverted. 

In  concluding,  fellow  citizens,  remarks  which  lam  fully 
conscious  have  nothing  but  their  simpliciry  and  truth  to 
commend  them  to  your  attention,  and  in  thanking  your  for 
the  kindness  with  which  you  have  received  suggestions  so 
unworthy  of  the  effort  which  you  may  have  been  led  to 
expect,  and  which  are  so  well  calculated  to  occasion  disap 
pointment,  allow  me  to  congratulate  you,  as  I  think  I  may 
not  inappropriately  do,  that  peace  is  again  the  happy  con 
dition  of  our  people. 

All  the  departments  of  industry,  social  order,  the  inter 
ests  of  humanity,  civilization  and  Christianity — intellect- 


46 


ual,  moral,  political  progress — require  peace  at  the  hands 
of  every  government  and  people. 


War  is  a  stern  necessity,  sometimes  forced  upon  nations 
as  personal  conflicts  may  be  upon  individuals.  In  all 
governments  it  carries  with  it  disorder,  distress,  temporary 
destruction  of  property  and  loss  of  life  ;  but  to  our  republic 
it  is  peculiarly  unsuited  ;  and  while  I  rejoice  that  the  crisis 
through  which  the  country  has  just  passed,  has  nobly  vindi 
cated  the  system  from  the  reproach,  that  it  is  inadequate  to 
the  successful  conduct  of  a  foreign  war,  no  one  could  have 
failed  to  observe  that  it  brings  in  its  train,  that  great  politi 
cal  evil  of  increased  patronage  and  power  in  the  arm  of  the 
national  government,  which  is  the  lurking  danger  of  the 
system  itself,  and  which  all  sincere  republican  sshould  haz 
ard  every  thing  but  national  honor  to  avoid.  Increased 
debt,  disturbed  occupations,  destruction  of  health  and  life, 
of  which  the  wrecks  that  lie  before  you  are  but  small  and 
partial  evidences,  sink  into  insignificance,  compared  with 
this  great  evil,  which  threatens  even  the  existence  of  insti 
tutions,  which  are  the  admiration  of  the  world,  and  the 
example  and  hope  of  the  friends  of  freedom  throughout 
the  civilized  globe. 


It  is,  therefore,  with  unaffected  joy,  that  I  congratulate 
you  on  the  re-establishment  of  peace,  and  trust  that  the 
day  is  far  distant,  when  we  shall  again  be  called  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  citizens  and  friends,  who  have  been  summoned 
to  lay  down  their  lives,  to  uphold  the  interest  or  honor  of 
the  United  States. 


47 


THE  ODE: 

PREPARED  FOR  THE  OCCASION  AT  THE  REQUEST  OF  THE  COMMON  COUNCIL, 

BY   GEORGE   P.    MORRIS,    ESQ., 

Was  then  sung  by  the  New  York  Sacred  Music  Society, 
who  occupied  the  balcony  of  the  Hall. 


FROM  cypress  and  from  laurel  boughs, 

Are  twined,  in  sorrow  and  in  pride, 
The  leaves  that  deck  the  mouldering  brows, 

Of  those  who  for  their  country  died: 
In  sorrow,  that  the  sable  pall 

Enfolds  the  valiant  and  the  brave: 
In  pride,  that  those  who  nobly  fall 

Win  garlands  that  adorn  the  grave. 

The  onset — the  pursuit — the  roar 

Of  victory  o'er  the  routed  foe, 
Will  startle  from  their  rest  no  more 

The  fallen  brave  of  Mexico. 
To  GOD  alone  such  sprits  yield  ! 

He  took  them  in  their  strength  and  bloom, 
When  gathering,  on  the  tented  field, 

The  garlands  woven  for  the  tomb. 


48 

The  shrouded  flag — the  drooping  spear — 

The  muffled  drum — the  solemn  bell — 
The  funeral  train — the  dirge — the  bier — 

The  mourners'  sad  and  last  farewell — 
Are  fading  tributes  to  the  worth 

Of  those  whose  deeds  this  homage  claim; 
But  Time,  who  mingles  them  with  earth, 

Keeps  green  the  garlands  of  their  fame. 

At  the  conclusion  of  which,  the  Benediction  was  pro 
nounced  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  HARDENBURGH,  of  the  Reformed 
Dutch  church. 

The  body  of  Mr.  FORBES  was  delivered  to  his  friends, 
who  removed  it  to  Central  Hall,  from  whence  his  funeral 
took  place  as  detailed  in  the  proceedings  of  the  13th. 

The  Pearson  Guard  took  charge  of  the  remains  of  their 
late  Commandant,  and  were  escorted  to  Brooklyn  by  the 
Independence  Guard  of  this  city. 

The  other  bodies  were  re:noved  to  the  Governor's  room, 
where  the  Baxter  Blues  mounted  guard  over  them,  until 
their  removal  on  the  next  day. 


49 


At  noon,  on  the  13th,  the  military  assembled  in  pursu 
ance  of  the  following  order  : 

FIRST    BRIGADE,  NEW  YORK   STATE    MILITIA, 


BRIGADE    ORDERS. 

NEW  YORK,  July  11,  1848. 

The  troops  of  the  First  regiment,  in  this  city,  will  assem 
ble,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Ryer,  mounted,  at 
the  Arsenal,  at  one  o'clock,  on  Thursday,  13th  inst.,  to 
attend  the  remains  of  the  gallant  BAXTER,  BARCLAY,  GAL 
LAGHER,  CHANDLER  and  FORBES,  to  their  last  resting  place, 
Greenwood  Cemetery.  Col.  STEWART  and  staff  will  join 
the  Brigadier  and  staff,  at  his  quarters,  No.  56  Franklin 
street. 

The  Brigadier  and  staff  will  accompany  the  command. 
The  usual  badge  of  mourning  will  be  worn. 

Commandants  of  regiments  will  issue  the  necessary 
orders  to  carry  this  order  into  effect,  and  furnish  the  Bri 
gade  Major  with  a  corrected  roster  of  their  respective  offi 
cers,  and  a  return  of  all  delinquencies,  to  the  Brigadier- 
General,  according  to  law. 

By  order, 

HENRY  STORMS, 

Brigadier  General. 

JOHN  A.  BOGERT,  Inspector. 
H.  J.  STORMS,  A.  D.  C. 
4 


50 

At  three  o'clock,  p.  M.,  the  bodies  were  removed  from 
the  City  Hall,  under  the  direction  of  the  Committee,  and 
the  procession  formed  in  the  following  order : 

Two  detachments  of  Horse  Guards. 
The  Baxter  Blues,  Lieutenant  Commandant  Kissner. 

BAXTER. 
With  relatives  in  carriages. 

BARCLAY. 

Relatives  in  carriages. 

GALLAGHER. 

Relatives  in  carriages. 

CHANDLER. 

Relatives  in  carriages. 

FORBES. 

Relatives  in  carriages. 

Friends  of  the  deceased,  and  officers  of  the  first  and  sec 
ond  regiment  N.  Y.  S.  Volunteers,  in  carriages  and  on 
horseback,  together  with  a  number  of  the  field  and  staff 
officers  of  the  citizen  soldiery  of  New  York. 


51 

At  three  o'clock,  the  several  hearses  were  brought  in 
front  of  the  City  Hall . 

The  Baxter  Blues,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Com 
mandant  KISSNER,  proceeded  to  the  residence  of  ALEX 
ANDER  S.  FORBES,  for  the  purpose  of  escorting  his  remains 
to  Greenwood  Cemetery. 

The  body  of  Mr.  FORBES  was  accompanied  by  the  mem 
bers  of  "  Strangers'  Refuge  Lodge,  No.  4,  I.  0.  of  0.  F.," 
of  which  he  was  a  member,  as  also  that  of  the  "  Ringgold 
Association,"  of  which  he  was  first  captain. 

The  Baxter  Blues,  accompanied  by  Lothian's  celebrated 
brass  band,  led — the  rear  was  brought  up  by  the  Gulick 
Guard,  under  the  command  of  Captain  GARLAND,  accom 
panied  by  Wallace's  band. 

The  procession  was  upwards  of  a  mile  in  length. 

They  marched  thus  to  Greenwood,  where,  on  the  -hill, 
and  overlooking  New  York,  Staten  Island  and  Brooklyn, 
the  cavalcade  rested.  Here  the  bodies  of  the  deceased 
were  deposited  in  graves  prepared  for  their  reception, 
with  their  bodies  at  right  angles,  so  as  to  form  a  Roman 
cross,  head  to  head,  on  the  centre  of  which  a  monument  is 
to  be  erected. 

An  address  was  delivered  over  the  body  of  Lieut.  FORBES, 
in  accordance  with  the  rules  of  the  Order. 


52 

The  Rev.  Dr.  SEABURY,  over  the  remains  of  Lieut. 
CHANDLER,  also  made  a  most  impressive  prayer,  which 
forced  tears  from  many  eyes. 

The  Baxter  Blues  then  fired  three  volleys,  as  a  parting 
salute,  over  the  graves  of  the  fallen  heroes,  who  were  at 
tached  to  them  by  more  than  the  mere  chances  of  war,  or 
respect  as  soldiers  who  fell  in  defence  of  their  country. 

Peace  to  their  manes. 

"  How  sleep  the  brave  who  sink  to  rest, 
With  all  their  country's  wishes  blest." 

Respectfully  submitted, 

THEODORE  R.  DE  FOREST, 
JACOB  L.  DODGE, 
NIEL  GRAY, 
WASHINGTON  SMITH, 
THOMAS  K.  DOWNING, 
MORRIS  FRANKLIN, 
ALEXANDER  H.  SCHULTZ, 
GEORGE  H.  FRANKLIN, 
PATRICK  BRENAN/ 
ROBERT  P.  GETTY, 
JOHN  R.  PAXTON, 
WILSON  SMALL. 


REPORT  OF  THE  COMMITTEE 

APPOINTED  TO  PREPARE  AND  PRESENT 

MEDALS 

TO  THE 

NEW  YORK  REGIMENT  OF  VOLUNTEERS, 

WITH   THE 

ROLLS     O  F   TH  E    C  O  M  P  A  Nl  ES, 

AS  RETURNED  TO  THE  COMMITTEE. 


AT  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  held  on  the 
first  of  November,  1847,  the  following-  message  was 
received  from  his  Honor  the  Mayor,  in  relation  to  the 
victories  obtained  in  Mexico  by  our  armies. 

MAYOR'S  OFFICE,  } 
October  27,  1847.      J 

To  the  Hon.  MORRIS  FRANKLIN, 

President  Board  of  Jlldermen  : 

SIR  : — The  recent  intelligence  from  the  seat  of  war, 
brings  to  us  the  gratifying  assurance  that  the  arms  of  the 


54 

American  troops  have  been,  even  against  the  most  unpar 
alleled  odds,  victorious,  and  that  the  flag  of  our  country 
now  floats  in  triumph  over  the  capitol  of  Mexico.  It 
seems  to  me  fitting  that  some  public  testimonial  should  be 
afforded  of  our  sympathy  with  tbe  gallant  officers  and 
soldiers  who  have,  by  their  conduct  in  the  battles  near  the 
city  of  Mexico,  covered  themselves  with  glory  and  won  an 
imperishable  fame  ;  and  I  therefore  respectfully  suggest 
the  propriety  of  convening  the  Common  Council  on  some 
future  day,  to  be  designated  by  yourself,  to  take  action  on 
this  subject. 

War  is  always  to  be  deplored,  it  brings  with  it  many  sad 
and  bitter  associations,  it  carries  mourning  to  the  hearts  of 
thousands  ;  but  no  true  American  could  read  the  accounts 
of  the  glorious  victories  achieved  by  our  countrymen, 
without  a  glow  of  emotion  and  pride  ;  no  true  American, 
however  he  might  deplore  a  war,  would  hesitate  at  any 
sacrifice  to  ensure  its  prompt,  honorable  and  successful 
termination. 

Some  tribute  is  especially  due  from  the  city  of  New 
York,  the  great  commercial  emporium  of  the  Western 
World.  Her  sons  have  been  permitted  to  share  in  these 
glorious  victories — she  is  called  on  to  mourn  some  of  the 
best  and  bravest  of  her  citizens — she  deplores  her  loss — 
she  rejoices  in  their  triumphs,  and  all  her  citizens,  I  feel 
well  assured,  would  join  in  any  testimonial  by  which  they 
might  show  that  the  honor  of  our  common  country  is  dear 
to  all.  That  in  the  words  of  the  lamented  hero  who  gave 
his  life  for  that  country,  they  say,  with  all  sincerity,  "  Our 


55 

Country,  may  she  be  always  right — but,  right  or  wrong, 
Our  Country." 

Respectfully, 

WILLIAM  V.  BRADY,  Mayor. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Alderman  MESEROLE,  to  refer 
the  same  to  a  Special  Committee  of  five  members. 

Which  was  adopted . 

And  the  President  appointed  Aldermen  MESEROLE,  DE 
FOREST,  GILMARTIN,  SMITH  and  CROLIUS  such  Committee. 

When  the  communication  was  sent  to  the  Board  of 
Assistants,  which,  after  reading,  ^concurred  therein,  and 
the  following  members  appointed  as  a  Committee  on  the 
part  of  this  Board,  to  wit  : 

Assistant  Aldermen  HERRING,  ROBERTSON,  COGER,  HAT- 
FIELD  and  CLARK. 

The  Committee  met  from  time  to  time,  and  after  debate 
as  to  the  best  manner  of  conveying  an  expression  on  their 
part  of  the  admiration  of  our  citizens,  agreed  to  recom 
mend  to  the  Board,  in  a  report  drawn  for  that  purpose, 
that  a  medal  should  be  struck  by  the  Common  Council, 
commemorative  of  the  battles  in  which  our  Volunteer 
regiment  had  been  engaged,  and  requested  the  President 
of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  as  also  the  President  of  the 
Board  of  Assistants,  to  convene  both  bodies  on  the  twenty- 
fifth  of  November,  to  hear  the  report  and  deliberate  on  the 
propriety  of  adopting  the  recommendation  of  the  Com 
mittee. 


56 

Each  Board  having  been  called  together  according  to 
the  recommendation  of  the  Committee, 

The  President  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen  stated  briefly 
the  object  for  which  he  had  convened  the  Board. 

Whereupon  the  Joint  Special  Committee  on  the  subject 
of  the  recent  victories  obtained  by  our  arms  in  Mexico, 
presented  the  following  report,  preamble  and  resolutions 
thereon. 

The  Special  Committee,  to  which  was  referred  the  com 
munication  of  his  Honor  the  Mayor,  in  relation  to  the  late 
American  victories  in  Mexico,  respectfully 

REPORT : 

That  in  contemplating  upon  the  recent  results  which  have 
crowned  the  efforts  of  the  American  arms  with  victories 
unparalleled  in  the  annals  of  modern  warfare,  they  have 
found  much  to  excite  their  feelings,  and  to  call  into  action 
every  patriotic  emotion  of  the  human  heart;  and  while 
their  sympathies  have  been  excited  in  reflecting  upon  the 
desolations  consequent  upon  a  state  of  war,  in  the  suffer 
ings  and  death  of  so  many  gallant  men,  leaving  behind 
them  desolate  widows  and  orphan  children,  they  have 
sensibly  realized  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  American  people 
to  throw  the  shield  of  their  protection  around  those  noble 
sons  who  have  sacrificed  the  endearments  of  their  homes 
/or  the  dangers  of  the  field,  and  to  testify  in  a  becoming 
manner  the  estimation  in  which  they  hold  the  services  of 
those  who  still  survive  to  uphold  the  common  standard  of 


57 

onr  country,  and  to  drop  a  tear  of  regret  over  the  memory 
of  those  who  have  fallen  in  the  hour  of  battle  and  found  a 
soldier's  grave  in  a  hostile  and  distant  land  ;  and  we  ven 
ture  the  assertion  that  no  parallel  can  be  found  in  which 
so  comparatively  a  small  number  of  volunteers,  fresh  from 
the  workshops  and  the  plough,  have  penetrated  so  far  into 
the  country  of  an  enemy,  with  such  complete  and  glorious 
success,  encountering  difficulties  on  every  side,  in  the  pas 
sage  of  steep  and  almost  impassable  mountain  barriers,  de 
prived  from  night  to  night  of  their  ordinary  and  necessary 
repose,  liable  at  any  moment  to  be  surrounded  and  attack 
ed  by  a  numerous  hostile  foe,  familiar  with  every  pass  of 
the  country,  and  guarded  and  protected  by  a  numerous 
soldiery,  been  engaged  in  more  desperate  and  unequalled 
battles  with  more  brilliant  success,  evincing  on  every  hand 
more  determined  bravery  than  the  history  of  the  present 
war  so  brilliantly  portrays,  and  we  proudly  challenge  the 
nations  of  the  world  to  present  a  series  of  victories,  which 
under  all  the  circumstances  connected  with  this  campaign 
can  compare  with  those  achieved  by  our  gallant  army  from 
Vera  Cruz  to  the  city  of  Mexico,  and  from  Palo  Alto  to 
Buena  Vista.  It  would  be  an  ungrateful  task,  and  might 
appear  invidious  to  draw  comparisons  where  all  have 
done  so  well,  and  crowned  our  banners  with  such  glorious 
wreaths,  for  we  can  say  in  sincerity,  and  appeal  with  con 
fidence  to  the  truth  of  our  assertion,  that  better  or  braver 
troops,  in  every  altitude  of  soldiership,  never  faced  an 
enemy  or  won  a  battle ;  that  every  department  of  the 
army  has  proved  itself  of  the  highest  order  of  excellence ; 
th.it  the  officers  have  shown  themselves  worthy  of  the  con 
fidence  placed  in  their  valor  and  their  skill,  in  that  they 
were  always  found  in  the  front  ranks  in  the  time  of  dan- 


58 

ger,  uniformly  leading-  their  gallant  men  upon  the  bloody 
field,  and  exhibiting-  upon  all  occasions  the  most  intrepid 
coolness,  perfect  self-possession  and  undaunted  courage  : 
in  short,  that  they  have  been  skillful,  prompt  and  prudent, 
and  the  large  number  of  those  who  have  fallen  at  the  head 
of  their  commands,  speaks  more  eloquently  and  impres 
sively  than  words  can  do,  of  the  courage  and  gallantry 
which  bore  them  into  the  heat  of  the  deadly  fig-ht. 

In   thus  contemplating  upon  the  bravery  of  the  whole 
army,  it  is    a  source  of  pride  and  gratification  to  know, 
that  the   regiment   from  our  own  state  has  performed  a 
conspicuous  and  important  part  in  the  recent  struggle,  and 
that  in   the  engagements  of  the  twelfth  and  thirteenth  of 
September,  the  standard  of  the  State  of  New  York  was  the 
first  to  float  in  triumph   from  the  walls  of  the  strongly 
guarded  fortress  of  Chapultepec ;    and  although  from  the 
exposed  and  dangerous  situations  in  which  they  were  so 
often  placed,  but  comparatively  few  will   ever  return  to 
their  families  and  friends,  yet  it   is  a  consolation  to  know 
that  those  who  fell,  fell  as  brave  men  love  to  fall,  fighting 
the  battles  of  their  country,  and  expiring  in  the  very  arms 
of  victory.     How  emphatically  then  are  we  called  upon, 
as  the  representatives  of  a  people  who  appreciate  the  ser 
vices  of  their  noble  sons,  to  give  some  evidence  to  them  and 
to   the  world,  that  their  valor  and  their  worth  have  not 
been  lost  upon  those  who  claim  them  as  their  own.     But 
how  and  in  what  manner  shall  this  be  done?     It  is  true 
that  we  may  kindle  in  our  streets  and  public  squares  bon 
fires,  commemorative  of  our  victories  ;   we  may  cause  the 
reverberations  of  cannon  to  be  heard  throughout  the  city ;  our 
public  buildings  may  glitter  with  the  reflection  of  ten  thou- 


59 

sand  lights  ;  our  bells  may  ring1  a  merry  peal ;  the  military 
parade  in  all  their  splendor,  and  send  forth  afeudejvie 
amidst  the  shouts  of  an  assembled  multitude,  yet  these 
things  are  but  for  a  moment,  and  leave  no  impression  upon 
the  minds  of  those  whose  victories  they  are  designed  to 
celebrate. 

It  has  occurred  to  your  Committee  with  much  force,  that 
the  present  would  be  an  appropriate  occasion  for  the  Com 
mon  Council  of  our  city  to  testify  to  the  value  of  the  services 
rendered  by  the  patriotic  band  of  this  state,  by  causing  an 
appropriate  medal  to  be  struck,  with  characteristic  designs 
and  suitable  inscription,  commemorative  of  the  Mexican 
campaign,  and  presenting  one  to  each  surviving  officer  and 
soldier  of  the  New  York  State  Regiment,  and  to  the  widow, 
eldest  son,  father  or  mother  of  those  who  may  have  fal 
len,  as  a  testimony  of  their  regard  for  the  valuable  services 
rendered  by  them  and  their  associates  in  defence  of  that 
National  Standard  which  now  waves  in  triumph  from  the 
walls  of  the  capitol  of  Mexico.  Such  a  design,  though 
novel  in  this  country,  has  appeared  to  your  Committee  as 
more  appropriate,  and  better  calculated  to  produce  a  favor 
able  and  permanent  impression  upon  the  minds  of  the 
recipients,  than  any  other  demonstration  which  could  be 
made,  stimulating  them  at  all  times,  so  to  confirm  their 
conduct,  not  only  while  remaining  in  the  ranks  of  the  army, 
but  in  their  walks  through  life,  as  to  prove  themselves 
worthy  of  such  special  notice  from  their  country,  and 
when  their  term  of  service  shall  have  expired,  and  the 
clarion  notes  of  war  be  hushed  amidst  the  loud  huzzas  of 
returning  peace,  and  they  be  permitted  again  to  mingle 
in  their  domestic  circles,  what  a  satisfaction  it  will  afford  to 


60 

the  mind  of  a  retired  soldier,  as  he  shows  his  wounds  and 
fights  his  battles  o'er  again,  to  point  to  the  evidence  which 
he  has  received  of  the  confidence  and  regard  of  his  native 
or  adopted  state,  and  when  the  time  of  his  departure  shall 
arrive,  he  will  bequeath  to  his  children  as  a  precious 
legacy,  to  be  by  them  cherished  and  preserved  as  a  valu 
able  memento  of  their  father's  services  upon  the  fields  of 
Mexico. 

Actuated  by  such  feelings,  the  Committee  most  respect 
fully  submit  for  adoption,  the  following  preamble  and  res 
olutions  : 

Whereas,  The  recent  triumphs  of  the  American  arms, 
under  the  command  of  its  brave  and  gallant  officers,  have 
excited  the  admiration  of  the  world,  and  called  forth  loud 
and  approving  plaudits  from  every  section  of  our  country  ; 
and  while  their  bravery  and  skill  have  been  the  theme  of 
universal  commendation,  their  moderation  in  the  hour  of 
victory  has  exmplified  the  gratifying  fact,  that  while  act 
ing  the  capacity  of  soldiers,  they  have  not  forgotten 
their  characters  as  men  or  their  responsibilities  as  moral 
agents,  and 

Whereas,  The  First  Regiment  of  the  New  York  State 
Volunteers  have  displayed  that  unbounded  courage  and 
fearless  bravery  which  has  caused  them  rather  to  seek,  than 
to  avoid  the  post,  of  danger,  by  which  they  have  won  for 
themselves  the  admiration  of  the  State  which  they  have 
so  nobly  represented,  and  added  fresh  laurels  to  our  here 
tofore  victorious  and  gallant  army,  and 


61 

Whereas,  It  is  the  desire  of  the  Common  Council  of  the 
city  of  New  York  to  testify  their  admiration  of  the  gallantry 
displayed  by  the  sons  of  the  Empire  State,  in  the  unequal 
and  hotly  contested  battles  in  which  they  have  been  en 
gaged  and  to  hand  down  to  them  and  to  their  children  a 
suitable  demonstration  that  their  services  are  appreciated 
by  a  grateful  and  confiding  people,  therefore, 

Resolved,  (if  the  Board  of  Assistants  concur,)  That  our 
thanks  are  emphatically  due,  and  are  hereby  tendered  to 
the  officers  and  privates  composing  the  First  Regiment 
of  New  York  State  Volunteers,  who,  in  connection  with 
their  noble  associates  in  the  field  of  battle,  have  gained  for 
our  country  victories  unparalleled  in  the  annals  of  modern 
warfare,  and  proved  to  an  admiring  world,  that  the  raw 
recruits  of  a  patriotic  people  can  vindicate  our  national 
honor,  and  guard  from  danger  our  eagle  and  our  stars. 

Resolved,  (if  the  Board  of  Assistants  concur,)  That  the 
Common  Council  cause  to  be  struck,  under  the  direction  of 
this  Committee,  a  suitable  medal,  commemorative  of  the 
recent  victories  in  Mexico,  with  appropriate  designs  and 
inscriptions,  and  each  of  the  surviving  officers  and  privates 
of  the  New  York  Regiment,  and  the  widow,  eldest  son, 
father  or  mother  of  those  who  have  fallen,  which  may  sur 
vive  him  in  the  order  above  enumerated,  be  presented  with 
one  on  behalf  of  this  Common  Council,  as  a  token  of  their 
confidence  and  regard,  not  only  for  their  valor  displayed 
upon  the  field,  but  for  their  moderation  and  forbearance  in 
the  hour  of  victory. 

Resolved,  (if  the  Board  of  Assistants  concur,)  That  a  copy 
of  this  report,  together  with  the  preamble  and  resolutions, 


62 

be  duly  authenticated  under  the  seal  of  the  city,  and  for 
warded  to  the  commandant  of  the  Regiment  of  the  New 
York  Volunteers,  to  be  by  him  promulgated  among  the 
other  officers  and  privates  in  such  way  and  manner  as  in 
his  judgment  may  be  consistent  with  the  general  regula 
tions  of  the  army. 

B.  J.  MESEROLE, 
WASHINGTON  SMITH, 
CLARKSON   CROLIUS, 
THEODORE  R.  DE  FOREST, 
THOMAS  GILMARTIN, 
SILAS  C.  HERRING, 
JAMES  ROBERTSON, 
JOHN  COGER,  JR., 
AMOS  F.  HATFIELD, 
G.  F.  CLARK. 

A  motion  was  made  that  the  report  be  accepted,  which 
was  unanimously  adopted. 

The  Committee  now  clothed  with  the  necessary  power 
to  warrant  their  proceeding,  appointed  a  sub-committee  to 
examine  into  the  cost  and  receive  designs  for  the  work ; 
and  at  a  subsequent  meeting  adopted  their  recommenda 
tion,  that  the  medals  should  be  struck  from  fine  silver,  to 
be  two  inches  in  diameter,  and  the  weight  of  each  should 
not  be  less  than  two  ounces,  and  that  no  difference  should 
exist  between  those  intended  for  the  officers  or  the  private 
soldier,  and  gave  the  sub-committee  power  to  order  the 
execution  of  the  work,  which,  after  an  examination  of  the 
designs  placed  before  them,  and  the  specimens  of  work 


submitted  to  their  inspection  by  different  artists,  finally 
adopted  the  design  drawn  by  PAUL  DUGAN,  Jr.,  which 
had  been  submitted  by  CHARLES  C.  WRIGHT,  Esq.,  and 
awarded  to  the  latter  named  artist  the  execution  of  the 
work ;  which,  it  is  needless  for  the  Committee  to  add, 
meets  their  highest  expectation  ;  and  enhances,  if  possible, 
the  merits  and  laurels  of  the  artist. 

The  following  description  of  the   medal  was  furnished 
the  Committee  by  the  designer : 

On  the  reverse  side  is  found  a  female  figure,  the  head  of 
which  is  surrounded  with  stars,  representing  the  Genius  of 
America,  grasping  in  her  right  hand  the  fulmen,  with 
her  left  she  points  to  the  rising  sun  ;  her  left  foot  resting 
upon  the  cactus,  while  the  Mexican  serpent  is  lying  pros 
trate  beneath  the  American  eagle;  mountains  form  the 
back-ground,  the  palm  indicating  the  South,  and  the 
walled  city  Vera  Cruz,  with  the  American  shipping  in  the 
harbor.  The  figure  rests  on  the  stern  of  a  Roman  galley, 
which  is  intended  to  represent  the  naval  power  of  the 
United  States,  and  around  the  whole  are  the  words,  "  Vera 
Cruz,  Cerro  Gordo,  Chapultepec,  and  Churubusco." 

On  the  obverse  side  is  to  be  found  a  new  and  beautiful 
arrangement  of  the  city  coat-of-arms,  designed  by  Mr. 
CHAPMAN,  with  the  marginal  inscription,  "Presented  by 
the  City  of  New  York,  to  the  New  York  Regiment  of 
Volunteers  in  Mexico." 

With  the  proceedings  as  above  detailed,  the  labors  of  the 
Committee,  under  its  original  appointment  closed,  and 


64 

some  of  its  active  members  went  out  of  office  on  the  organ 
ization  of  the  new  Common  Council,  on  the  9th  day  of 
May,  1848,  which  shortly  after  commencing'  its  labors  re 
organized  the  Committee  by  the  following  appointments : 

Of  the  Board  of  Aldermen. — Aldermen  DE  FOREST, 
CROLIUS,  SMITH,  FITZGERALD  and  HATFIELD. 

Of  the  Board  of  Assistant  Aldermen. — Messrs.  HIBBARD, 
WEBB,  HERRING,  WOOD  and  CLARK. 

The  labors  of  the  new  Committee  were  confined  to  the 
preparation  of  the  medals  of  those  entitled  to  receive  the 
same,  under  the  following  resolution  of  instruction,  which 
passed  both  Boards : 

That  the  Special  Committee  on  Medals  to  the  First 
Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers,  be  instructed  to  have 
the  name  of  each  individual  to  whom  the  medals  shall  be 
presented,  engraved  thereon. 

The  Committee  endeavored  by  all  sources  of  information 
within  their  reach,  to  ascertain  the  probable  number  of 
medals  required  for  the  regiment,  as  well  as  the  names  of 
the  recipients;  and  from  the  frequent  failures  attendant  on 
their  exertion,  were  finally  compelled  to  await  the  arrival 
of  the  volunteers  themselves — after  which  they  were  as 
sured  by  Col.  Burnett,  that  full  and  correct  returns  should 
be  made  by  the  commandants  of  the  several  companies. 
The  number  required  being  variously  estimated  from  three 
hundred  and  fifty  to  eight  hundred.  The  only  communi 
cation  which  gave  them  the  first  introduction  to  the  labors 
before  them,  was  the  following  : 


65 

Alderman  DE  FOREST, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Medals. 

DEAR  SIR  : — Enclosed,  please  find  a  list  of  all  the  mem 
bers  of  Company  H,  First  New  York  Volunteers,  who  are 
present  to  receive  their  medals,  upon  being  mustered  out 
of  service.  The  number  of  all  those  who  have  been  en 
rolled  or  enlisted  since  the  organization  of  the  regiment, 
was  about  1100,  including  recruits  sent  to  Mexico. 

The  number  of  those  who  first  joined  the  regiment,  and 
who  served  in  the  siege  of  Vera  Cruz,  was  about  780. 

The  number  of  those  who  served  at  Cerro  Gordo,  was 
about  650. 

The  number  of  those  who  marched  from  Puebla  to  the 
attack  on  the  city  of  Mexico,  was  527. 

The  number  of  those  who  remain  of  the  original  780,  is 
nearly  300. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Very  truly  yours, 

WARD  B.  BURNETT, 

Colonel,  &c. 

Fort  Hamilton,  July  18,  1848. 

The  medals  for  the  above  company  were  immediately 
prepared,  according  to  the  instructions  of  the  Common 
Council,  and  delivered  in  person  at  Fort  Hamilton,  by 
the  Committee. 

5 


66 

Scattering  returns  of  several  of  the  companies  from  time 
to  time  reached  the  Committee,  the  medals  for  the  mem 
bers  of  which  have  been  prepared  as  soon  after  application 
being  made  for  them  as  possible,  and  on  the  day  of  the 
public  reception  of  the  regiment  by  the  citizens,  at  Castle 
Garden,  previous  to  their  disbandment,  the  Committee  had 
the  pleasure  of  delivering  over  to  the  staff  of  the  regiment, 
and  to  the  commanders  of  six  of  the  companies,  the  medals 
prepared  for  such  of  the  members  as  were  actually  present 
to  receive  the  same.  The  subject  being  introduced  by  the 
following  address,  prepared  at  the  request  of  the  Commit 
tee,  and  delivered  in  presence  of  the  regiment,  by  the 
Hon.  MORRIS  FRANKLIN,  Esq.,  President  of  the  Board  of 
Aldermen. 

ADDRESS. 

The  battle  has  ceased  and  the  victory  won,  and  we  have 
devoted  this  day  to  welcome  to  their  homes,  and  congratu 
late  upon  their  return,  the  surviving  members  of  that  gal 
lant  band,  who,  at  their  country's  call,  sacrificed  their 
domestic  endearments  and  cheering  associations  which 
cluster  around  the  family  circle,  for  the  dangers  of  the 
battle  field,  and  the  thrilling  excitement  of  a  soldier's  life. 
But,  alas!  where  are  so  many  of  those  noble  spirits,  who, 
buoyant  with  hope,  and  looking  forward  to  a  brilliant  ca 
reer  of  victories,  bade  farewell  to  their  wives,  their  children 
and  their  friends,  with  the  fond  hope  that  when  the  con 
flict  was  ended,  and  the  emblem  of  peace  should  wing  its 
flight  from  one  section  of  our  country  to  the  other,  that  they 
too  would  have  rejoined  that  circle,  to  dry  the  tears  which 
flowed  over  their  departure,  and  to  administer  the  balm  of 


67 

consolation  to  their  wounded  spirits'?  They  have  found  a 
soldier's  grave  in  a  distant  land,  where  the  tear  of  affec 
tion  never  will  bedew  the  sod  which  covers  their  remains, 
or  the  hand  of  friendship  weave  a  garland  for  their  tomb  ; 
but  a  grateful  people  will  hold  in  lasting  remembrance  the 
glory  which  they  have  achieved,  and  enrol  their  names 
among  the  patriots  of  America. 

In  retrospecting,  gentlemen,  upon  the  brilliant  career 
which  has  marked  your  progress,  and  the  success  which 
has  crowned  your  efforts  in  the  struggles  in  which  you 
have  been  engaged,  we  have  good  reason  to  congratulate 
you,  and  our  common  country,  that  in  a  series  of  conflicts 
and  victories,  unparalleled  in  the  annals  of  modern  war 
fare,  the  bravery  of  the  American  soldiery,  of  which  your 
regiment  formed  a  conspicuous  part,  was  eminently  suc 
cessful  in  maintaining  the  honor  of  our  flag  against  une 
qualled  numbers,  and  amidst  the  embarrassments  of  a 
strange  and  unknown  country,  together  with  constant  ex 
posure  to  disease  in  a  warm  and  unhealthy  climate,  you 
gained  a  series  of  victories  of  which  the  nations  of  the 
world  might  well  be  proud,  and  to  which  we  can  refer  with 
feelings  of  national  gratification  and  pride. 

Under  the  command  of  the  gallant  Shields,  directed  by 
the  masterly  manoeuvre  of  the  chivalric  Scott,  the  battle 
ground  of  Cerro  Gordo  will  forever  commemorate  the  valor 
of  the  New  York  Regiment,  and  weave  a  garland  for  their 
bravery  which  time  will  never  fade. 

The  glorious  scenes  of  Contreras,  and  the  awful  carnage 
of  Churubusco,  where  so  many  fell  as  martyrs  in  their 


68 

country's  cause,  will  form  a  page  upon  the  record  of  our 
history,  brilliant  as  the  proudest  monuments  of  ancient 
glory,  when  Rome  stood  forth  in  all  her  splendor,  the 
wonder  and  admiration  of  the  world. 

At,  Chapultepec,  your  position  was  in  front  of  Quitman's 
column,  in  the  attack  upon  the  outer  fortification  of  that 
strong  and  extensive  fortress,  and  you  were  among  the 
first  to  scale  the  castle  walls,  and  to  plant  upon  them  your 
own  regimental  colors,  in  the  name  and  on  behalf  of  the 
American  people. 

Throughout  the  war,  and  in  every  position  in  which 
you  were  placed,  whether  upon  the  plains,  or  upon  the 
mountains,  in  the  solid  phalanx  contending  against  fearful 
odds,  or  standing  breast  to  breast  in  the  narrow  passes  of 
the  enemy  ;  whether  in  the  heat  of  combat  or  in  the  hour 
of  victory,  as  soldiers  you  remembered  your  duty,  and  as 
men  regarded  the  misfortunes  of  the  conquered  and  the 
slain. 

How  cheering  is  the  reflection,  in  looking  back  upon  the 
war  which  has  terminated,  that  no  blot  or  blemish  mars 
the  standard  of  our  country,  but  that  its  stars  continue  to 
shine  in  all  the  brilliancy  of  their  ancient  glory,  and  that 
the  results  of  the  contest  will  prove  to  the  nations  of  the 
world  that  while  we  are  the  advocates  of  peace,  and  desire 
to  cultivate  and  maintain  the  most  friendly  relations 
throughout  the  globe,  we  can  at  all  times  maintain  our 
national  honor  and  vindicate  our  country  from  insult  or 
oppression. 


69 

The  purpose  of  commemorating1  the  events  connected 
with  this  campaign,  and  to  testify  the  value  in  which  we 
hold  the  services  of  the  officers  and  men  composing  the 
first  regiment  of  our  State  Volunteers,  the  Common  Coun 
cil  of  the  city  of  New  York  have  caused  to  be  prepared  a 
silver  medal,  to  be  presented  to  each  surviving  individual 
of  that  regiment,  who  enlisted  therein  prior  to  the  passage 
of  the  resolution,  and  who  have  been  in  active  service 
during  the  war,  and  to  the  nearest  surviving  relatives  of 
those  who  have  fallen ;  and  the  honor  has  been  conferred 
upon  me  to  present  the  same  to  you  on  their  behalf.  Upon 
inspection  of  these  medals,  you  will  perceive  that  they 
bear  upon  one  side  the  coat  of  arms  of  our  city,  with  the 
name  of  the  donors,  and  the  name  of  the  recipient ;  and 
upon  the  other  is  represented  a  female  figure,  with  a  halo 
of  stars  above  her  head,  emblematical  of  the  Genius  of 
America ;  in  her  extended  hand  she  grasps  the  fulmen, 
directed  with  determined  looks  towards  the  city  in  the 
distance,  and  with  the  other  points  to  the  sun,  while  (he 
palm  indicates  the  south  ;  one  foot  rests  upon  the  cactus, 
and  by  the  other  stands  the  eagle — proud  of  the  conquest 
which  he  has  obtained  over  the  Mexican  serpent,  which 
lies  prostrate  and  within  his  power.  Behind  the  figure 
appears  the  stern  of  a  Roman  galley,  representative  of  the 
naval  power  of  the  United  States ;  mountains  form  the 
back  ground  of  the  vignette,  and  the  walls  represent  the 
city  of  Vera  Cruz,  where,  thanks  to  you  and  the  noble 
prowess  of  our  gallant  SCOTT,  the  flag  of  our  country  now 
floats  in  victory,  and  from  which  you  commenced  that 
triumphant  march  towards  the  capital  of  Mexico,  which 
finally  fell  before  the  well-directed  batteries  of  the  Ameri 
can  soldiery,  and  you  entered  within  its  walls  a  proud  and 


70 

victorious  army  ;  not  to  revel  there,  and  to  realize  the 
fancied  dreams  of  a  bewildered  imagination,  but  to  claim 
possession,  and  wave,  in  token  of  your  triumph,  the  star- 
spangled  banner  of  America,  which  now  marks  it  as  the 
fruits  of  victory — for  when  the  Halls  of  the  Montezumas 
were  in  your  possession,  when  the  din  of  arms  had  ceased, 
the  wounded  been  gathered  together,  and  the  slain  col 
lected  for  their  burial,  than  the  mingled  notes  of  prayer 
and  praise  were  raised  to  Him  who  controls  the  destinies  of 
nations ;  and  your  gallant  general,  with  the  tears  of 
gratitude  coursing  down  his  rugged  cheeks,  passed  along 
the  line,  and  from  the  overflowings  of  a  grateful  heart, 
congratulated  one  and  all  upon  the  glorious  victory  which 
they  had  achieved  !  That  must  have  been  a  time  to  try 
the  feelings  of  the  stoutest  hearts,  and  cold  indeed  must 
those  have  been  who  could  stand  unmoved  amidst  a  scene 
like  this,  and  not  realize  the  debt  of  gratitude  which  they 
had  incurred,  in  being  spared  from  the  fate  of  those  who 
were  dead  and  dying  around  them.  We  present  these 
medals  to  you,  not  on  account  of  the  intrinsic  value  which 
they  possess,  but  as  an  evidence  that  the  people  of  our 
city  appreciate  the  valor  which  you  have  displayed,  the 
sacrifices  you  have  endured,  and  the  glory  you  have  pur 
chased  for  our  republic.  We  rejoice  with  you  that  the 
blessings  of  peace  have  followed  the  victories  of  our  army, 
and  you  are  permitted  to  rejoin  the  scenes  of  your  former 
associations,  there  to  recount  the  dangers  you  have  passed, 
the  battles  you  have  fought,  the  victories  you  have  won, 
and  to  drop  a  tear  over  the  memories  of  those  who  fell 
upon  the  field  of  battle,  giving  evidence  by  their  death  of 
their  devotion  to  the  cause  in  which  they  were  engaged. 
When  your  eye  rests  upon  this  token  of  our  gratitude,  and 


71 

you  read  inscribed  thereon  the  names  of  Chapultepec, 
Churubusco,  Cerro  Gordo,  and  Vera  Cruz,  how  many  thril 
ling  associations  will  they  bring  to  mind  connected  with 
the  events  that  mark  their  history,  and  call  around  you 
the  persons  of  our  Baxter,  our  Barclay,  our  Pearson,  our 
Gallagher,  our  Chandler  and  Van  Olinda,  who  did  good 
service  in  the  hour  of  conflict,  but  who  are  now,  save  one, 
reposing  upon  Battle  Hill,  beneath  the  sombre  shades  of 
Greenwood. 

In  this  connection  you  will  not  fail  to  remember  that 
brave  and  noble  German,  the  adopted  son  of  our  country, 
the  bold  and  fearless  Romein,who  was  the  standard  bearer 
of  the  national  flag  in  the  attack  upon  Churubusco,  when 
wounded  and  deprived  of  one  hand,  firmly  grasped  it  with 
the  other,  and  when  that  too  was  shattered  and  gone, 
gaining  renewed  courage  from  the  dangers  to  which  he 
was  exposed,  hugged  it  closely  to  his  breast  by  the  rem 
nant  of  his  remaining  arm,  and  held  it  firmly  there  until 
a  fatal  shot  brought  him  lifeless  to  the  ground  ;  and  a 
more  fortunate  hand,  but  not  more  devoted  heart,  caught 
it  as  it  fell,  and  finally  planted  it  upon  the  walls  of  the 
conquered  city,  amidst  the  loud  huzzas  of  an  enthusiastic 
and  triumphant  army.  Take  these  medals,  then,  ye  brave 
and  gallant  men,  as  emblems  of  your  victories,  and  of  the 
lasting  gratitude  of  the  people  of  our  city,  for  the  services 
which  you  have  rendered  ;  dwell  upon  the  history  which 
they  are  designed  to  commemorate  ;  tell,  and  rehearse  it 
to  your  children  and  your  companions  ;  and  when  you 
shall  be  called  upon  finally  to  surrender  up  your  lives,  and 
yield  obedience  to  the  King  of  Kings,  transmit  them  as 
precious  boons  to  those  who  were  the  most  nearly  allied 


72 

to  you  in  life,  and  who  will  be  most  likely  to  cherish  them 
after  your  decease. 

On  behalf  then,  of  the  Common  Council  of  the  city  of 
New  York,  I  tender  for  your  acceptance  the  medals  to 
which  I  have  referred,  and  ask  you  to  receive  them  as  an 
evidence  that  the  people  of  our  city,  whose  representatives 
we  are,  will  cherish  with  the  most  lively  recollections  the 
services  which  you  have  performed  in  the  prosecution  of  a 
war  which  has  added  a  brilliant  wreath  to  our  country's 
glory,  and  cast  a  halo  around  your  brows  which  the  proud 
est  monarch  on  his  throne  might  envy, 

The  tattered  flag  which  is  now  before  us,  and  the  na 
tional  standard  you  so  nobly  defended,  both  of  which  have 
been  returned  to  be  placed  among  the  archives  of  our 
city,  together  with  the  evidence  of  the  confidence  and 
attachment  of  the  people  of  the  south  in  the  presentation 
of  the  splendid  banner,  wrought  by  the  fair  hands  of  those 
who  were  indeed  the  last  best  gift  of  heaven  to  man,  are 
"  confirmation  strong  as  proof  of  Holy  Writ,"  that  you 
are  worthy  of  our  confidence  and  entitled  to  our  warmest 
thanks. 

Long  may  our  country  remain  the  home  of  those  who, 
like  you,  are  ever  ready  to  defend  it  in  the  hour  of  danger, 
and  to  stand  as  sentinels  around  our  political  institutions. 
Then,  indeed,  may  we  rest  secure  ;  and  amidst  the  com 
motions  which  are  now  disturbing  the  ancient  landmarks 
of  the  European  world,  our  country  will  remain  as  the 
model  republic  of  the  nineteenth  century,  to  which  the 
people  of  other  countries  will  flock  as  does  the  doves  to 


73 

the  windows,  and  around  whom  we  will  throw  the  shield 
of  our  protection,  as  we  gather  them  within  the  fold  of  the 
American  nation,  where  we  trust  that  animating  emblem, 
the  stars  and  stripes  of  our  country,  will  ever  wave — 

"  O'er  the  land  of  the  free,  and  the  home  of  the  brave." 

The  Committee  have  been  daily  engaged  since  in  the 
examination  and  collation  of  returns,  hearing  the  various 
and  repeated  applications  made  by  the  returned  soldier,  the 
father,  the  mother,  and  the  widow  ;  and  though  in  some 
cases  the  gift  has  been  received  and  lost  by  carelessness 
immediately  afterward,  yet  in  others  it  is  cherished  with 
devotion,  and  kept  with  the  care  of  a  sacred  relic. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

THEODORE  R.  DE  FOREST, 
CLARKSON  CROLIUS, 
WASHINGTON  SMITH, 
EDMUND  FITZGERALD, 
AMOS  F.  HATFIELD, 

Of  the  Board  of  Jildermen. 

TIMOTHY  R.  HIBBARD, 
CHARLES  WEBB, 
SILAS  C.  HERRING, 
JAMES  E.   WOOD, 
GEORGE  F.  CLARK, 

Of  the  Board  of  Assistants. 
NEW  YORK,  Oct.  2d,  1848. 


74 

The  Committee  herewith  publish  the  ROLLS  of  the  vari 
ous  companies,  as  presented  by  their  commanders,  of  those 
entitled  to  the  medals,  under  the  resolutions  ;  most  of  which 
have  been  delivered  by  the  Committee,  and  some  of  which 
may  never  be  applied  for. 

The  returns,  as  made,  are  as  yet  imperfect,  and  cause 
some  dissatisfaction  to  the  relatives,  as  well  as  to  the  dis 
abled,  but  returned  volunteer. 

MAJOR  GENERAL  WINFIELD  SCOTT,  U.  S.  A. 
MAJOR  GENERAL  JOHN  A.   QUITMAN,  U.  S.  A. 
ACTING  CHAPLAIN  REV.  M.  McCARTHY,U.  S,  A. 

Medals  to  each  of  the  above  were  presented  by  special 
resolution  of  the  Committee. 

COLONEL  WARD  B.  BURNETT. 

LIEUT.  COL.  CHARLES  H.  BAXTER, 

LIEUT.  COL.  JAMES  C.    BURNHAM, 

MAJOR  GARRET  DYCKMAN, 

ADJUTANT  JAMES  H.  McCABE, 

SURGEON  MINA  B.  HALSTEAD, 

CAPTAIN  JAMES  F.  HUTTON, 

SERGT.  MAJOR  PATRICK  O'GORMAN, 

QUARTER  MAST.  SERGT.  EDWARD  McCuTHEON, 

"  u       WILLIAM   H.  KEARNEY, 

MUSICIAN  DAVID  E.  CARPENTER, 

"          PATRICK  BERRY. 


75 


COMPANY  A. 

CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  FOKRY. 


Lieut.  Israel  Miller, 
"       Charles  S.  Cooper, 
"       Thomas  J.  Rogers, 

Sergt.   Robert  F.  Allason, 
"       Alexander  Smith, 
"       Jacob  David, 

Corpl.  Jeremiah  Ring, 

Thomas  McGivern, 
"       Michael  Clark, 

Mus'n  Conrad  Muler, 
"       Wm.  J.  Berghdorf, 

Private  Henry  Arckoll, 
"       Peter  Burnds, 
"      William  A.  Coventry, 
"       James  Duncan, 
"       John  Drew, 
"       Patrick  Fallen, 
"       Thomas  Foley, 
"       Thomas  Farrell, 


John  Adams. 


Private  Thomas  Hemming-, 
Edwin  W.  Hacker, 
John  0.  Hunt, 
David  Kelly, 
John  Larking, 
Charles  D.  Lyon, 
William  McGuinass, 
"       James  McCoy, 
"       John  Moran, 

Stephen  S.  Moore, 
Daniel  Mickle, 
John  J.  Marshall, 
Rufas  D.  Petit, 
Peter  Surmer, 
Henry  Slauping, 
D.  S.  Timonds, 
Everhard  Welter, 
"        John  G.  Wood, 
Benj.  F.  Wheeler. 


DISCHARGED. 


Sergt.  Samuel  Henry,  Lieut.  Thos.  W.  Sweeny, 

"       James  M.  Bayles,       Private  Lawrence  Graur, 
Corpl.  Louis  Al bough,  "        James  L.  Harper, 

Priv'te  Thomas  W.  Tobin,        "        Erben  Haun, 
"       Albert  L.  Waggoner,     "       John  Willis, 


76 

Private  John  D.  Bradley,  Private  A.  W.  Decker, 
"  Julies  G.  Nordman,  "  Hendrick  Mier, 
"  Joseph  Roworth,  "  Joshua  Dudley, 

"        James  M.  Parker,          "       John  H.  Orr, 
"       John  Callaghan,  "       William  Breslen. 

John  Muriday. 


DEAD. 

Lieut.  Augustus  Jacobus,     Private  Alfred  A.  Leonard, 

Sergt.  Henry  H.  Satterly,        "  Benj.  F.  Bennett, 

Private  George  T.  Rosheeck,    "  Conrad  Heicher, 

"        Charles  Gode,  st  Edward  Fife, 

"       Joseph  Banks,  "  John  P.  Bouteer, 

•'       Joseph  Heicher,  "  Abrn.  Adler. 


77 


COMPANY  B. 


CAPTAIN  ALFRED  W.  TAYLOK. 


Serg't 

" 


Lieut.    Robert  M.  Floyd,       Private 
"       Hypolite  Dardonville,      " 
"       Carl  Becher,  " 

Carl  Butterbrod,  " 

Joseph  Reutter,  " 

"       John  Abel,  " 
Corp'l    Jacob  Hirschhorn, 

"       John  Henkel,  « 

"       George  Daub,  " 

Private  David  Darkowski,  " 

"        John  Bechtel,  " 

"       Adam  Behland,  " 

Sylvester  Beguet,  tl 

James  Bowse,  " 
Thomas  Dixon, 

John  Eber,  " 


B.  Grassenauer, 
William  Gravenitz, 
August  Heiss, 
Michael  Kuber, 
George  Knortser, 
Raol  Dorsch, 
John  Ludwig, 
Allan  McDonald, 
Lindock  Muir, 
Otto  Newbauer, 
Christopher  Newman, 
Conrad  Pingell, 
Peter  Schon, 
John  Tweedy, 
Carl  Voss, 
Carl  Wentzell, 


Private  Julius  Latte, 


SICK. 


Private  Alexander  Lission. 


DISCHARGED. 


Captain  Gnstave  de  Bongars,  Corpl.  Francis  Bonez, 

"       Gustave  de  Reichardt,     "       John  Habb, 
Lieut.     Mayne  Reed,  Private  Conrad  Dorn, 

"         Francis  Durning,  "       Martin  Dorn, 


78 

Private  Martin  Geier,  Private  Geo.  Liebold, 
Edward  Holtzke,  "       George  Nazel, 

"        John  Hunt,  "       Stefan  Uberschutz, 

"        James  Kelly,  "       George  William, 

Hermann  Konig,  "       Frederick  Viere, 


DEAD. 

Sergt.  P.  Vander.    Romein2  Private  Frederick  Hartwick, 

"       Lewis  Bovet2  "       Peter  Hirshbach, 

Corpl.  Christian  Meyer,  "       John  Kocher, 

Priv'te  David  Rathburn,2  "       Wm.  Lackenrneyer, 

"       Peter  Wiese,2  "       Otio  Naeder, 

"       Constantine  Baillottz,      "       Francis  Nolle, 
"       Charles  Debegue,  "       Valentine  Putzold, 

"       Philibert  Dure,  "       Henry  Sturmer, 

"       Carl  Frantzius  "       Jacob  Wirth . 

Henry  Hartnich. 

NOTE. 

sSeverely  wounded  at  Chapultepec.     2  Killed  at  Churu- 
busco. 


79 


Lieut. 

14 


Serg't 

u 


Corp'l 

u 

u 
U 

Private 

(4 

u 
u 
u 
u 


COMPANY  C. 


CAPTAIN  GEORGE  B.  HALL. 


Francis  G.  Boyle,      Private  David  Costigan, 
Alexander  H.  Barber,      "      George  Congdon, 


Edward  Cook, 
William  Peel, 
Barthol.  M.  Lynch, 
Philip  Con  way, 
Geo.  Gorharn  Craig, 
James  McCann, 
Martin  Grosse, 
Andrew  Shaffer, 
Wm.  P.  Mclntyre, 
Samuel  H.  Beattie, 
Richard  Burke, 
William  Benton, 
John  Carter, 
Thomas  Reid, 
John  Russell, 

Philip  E. 


"  Antonio  Dabrouski, 

"  Charles  Eccleston, 
"       Antonio  French, 

"  Frederick  Hartman, 

"  Bernard  Hagen, 

"  John  Jenkins, 

"  Adolph  Kilgart, 

"  Angevine  Leonard, 

"  William  McKail, 

"  James  McNorton, 

"  Owen  Mohen, 

"  Philip  Myers, 

"  Thomas  Reed, 

"  Joshua  Smith, 

"  Oliver  A.  Tarlton, 
Shannon. 


DISCHARGED. 


Private  William  Beattie, 
"        William  Bolt, 
"        John  Farren, 


Private  Adam  King, 
"      C.  Ramensnyder, 
"      Benj .  Van  Clief . 


DEAD. 


Capt.     James  Barclay,  Private  Andrew  lolard, 

Private  Abraham  Delamater,        "      Christian  Clemm, 
"        Thomas  Dodd,  "       Cornelius  Lloyd, 

Timothy  Golden,  "       James  Saxton, 

John  Lawrence. 


COMPANY  D. 


CAPTAIN  JAY  P.  TAYLOE. 


Lieut.    Francis  Pinto, 


Private  Richard  Jefferson, 


:  John  Hill, 

"  Henry  Dusenbury,  " 

Sergt.  Robt.  M.  Harper,  " 

"  Wm.  S.  Cormick,  " 

"  Henry  Stanton,  " 

Corpl.  Peter  Toell,  " 

"  James  E.  Burch,  " 

"  Wesley  Smith,  " 

"  John  Davis,  " 

Private  Daniel  Murphy,  " 

"  Michael  Mentze,  " 

"  Robert  W.  Anderson,  " 

"  John  Coyne,  " 

"  Abram  M.  White,  " 

"  John  Ashley,  " 

"  Michael  Larvey,  " 


Reuben  Jones, 
James  Kenneda, 
James  Lennox, 
Michael  Lewis, 
Alexander  Moran, 
John  McNulty, 
Payton  J.  Nodine, 
Patrick  Ryan, 
Dan.  S.  Standerwick, 
Michael  Sullivan, 
Goodrich  Span  Id  ing, 
Lawrence  Strobill, 
James  Topley, 
Francis  Willick, 
William  Moulton, 
Edward  Moran, 


William  McCanna. 


DISCHARGED. 

"  Edward  Dunn,  " 

"  Abram  M.  Dooremer,    " 

"  Daniel  Hawley,  ' ' 

"  Edward  Schiller, 

"  John  B.  Halfpenny, 

"  Charles  Floyd, 

"  Joseph  Lewis, 


u 


Philip  Lockwood, 
James  Manning, 
Geo.  R.  McFadden, 
Freedom  G.  Newton, 
John  B.  Cobb, 
Edward  Danburghy, 
John  Whaley, 


Henry  Dusenbury. 


81 


DEAD. 


Private  Jesse  Carman, 
"      Charles  Oakley, 
"      Joseph  Adams, 
"      James  Smith, 
"      Luke  Cassada, 
"      Orlow  Ferrell, 
John  C.  Johnson, 
James  Sullivan, 
John  Cooper, 
Henry  H.  Bowne, 

James 


u 


Private  John  W.  Joyce, 
"      James  Roe, 
"      Win.  H.  Thompson, 
"      John  Wright, 
"      Samuel  D.  Duncan, 
"      Thomas  Connally, 
"      Nicholas  Mooney, 
"      Patrick  Beehen, 
"      Jacob  Lema, 
"      Nicholas  Mead, 

Kelly. 


82 


COMPANY  E. 


CAPTAIN  ROBERT  A.  CARTER. 


Lieut.  J.  W.  Henry, 

"  David  W.  Doremus, 

Serg't  Joseph  Corn  iff, 

"  John  L.  Trainor, 

"  Francis  Crawford, 

"  Edward  Slowly, 

Corp'l  Henry  Betton, 

"  Philip   Ewault, 

"  Martin  Duncan, 

"  George  Platt, 

Private  James  Armstrong, 

"  William  Blues, 

"  John  Baun, 

"  Francis  Oonroy, 

"  Stephen  Connor, 

"  Mark  Chrieres, 

Martin 


Private  George  Geiren, 

"  Robert  Gannon, 

''  John  Graham, 

"  William  Hunter, 

"  John  Hoe, 

"  Mark  Kahn, 

"  William  McCoppin, 

"  William  Miller, 

"  William  Manson, 

"  George  Poos, 

"  David  Simmons, 

"  Alexander  Simm, 

"  Jaines  Searl, 

"  John  Thyson, 

"  David  Wells, 

"  Chris.  H.  Dunn, 

Folen. 


DISCHARGED. 


Private  W.  D.  Hamilton, 

"  Albert  Lombard, 

"  John  Leech, 

"  Joseph  Dunham, 

"  Robert  H.  French, 

"  L.  F.  Hick, 

"  James  Moran, 

"  Lawrence  Grant, 

"  John  T.  Olney, 


Private  Joseph  Croto, 

"  Timothy  Donivan, 

"  Lawrence  Cook, 

"  John  Everhart, 

"  William  Hober, 

u  Daniel  Hartman, 

"  Charles  Thompson, 

u  Cassandra  Frisby, 

"  William  Ormsby. 


83 


DEAD. 


Capt.  Charles  H.  Pearson, 

Serg't  Garret   Fitzgerald. 

Private  Haven  Brien, 

"  Joshua  Bloodgood, 

"  Robert  Holand, 

"  Thomas    H.  Foley, 

"  Alex.  McClennen, 

"  Valentine  Neyele, 

"  Jacob  Tuers, 

"  Alexander  Young, 


Lieut.   Edgar  Chandler, 
Private  George  W.  Blake, 
"        Hugh  Brien, 
u        William  Cornell, 
"        John  Homer, 
"        James  McManus, 
"        James  McKenna, 
"        John  Seaman, 
"       James  Williams, 
"        Theo.  Zimmerman. 


84 


COMPANY  F. 


CAPTAIN  S.  S.  GALLAGHER. 


Lieut. 

u 


Corp' 

u 


James  G.  Hillis, 
E.  B.  Carroll, 
"       Michael  A.  Cnrran, 
Serg't.    W.  H.  Warren, 
"       G.  H.  Pruyn, 
'<       John  F.  Hatfield, 
"       Josiah  Campbell, 
John  Acker, 
M.   Conlin, 
Thomas  Suppis, 
"       A.  J.  Constantine, 
Private    John  Green, 
"         W.  B.  Parisien, 
Wm.  Anderson, 
"         Charles  Bath, 
John  Coss, 
John  Cox, 
"         John  Hink, 

Barney  Harrigan, 
u         Joseph  A.  Jones, 


Private  Charles  Keenan, 
James  Ludlam, 
James  Murray, 
"         Peter  J.  Mumpton, 
"         John  E.  Murphy, 

John  McKeown, 
"         Peter  M'Cann, 
"         Scott  McKay, 
"         John  Myers, 
"         Michael  Nolins, 

John  Nelaon, 
"         Henry  Otten, 

Wm.  Quackenbush, 
"         Peter  Reilly, 
"         Henrich  Vansell, 
John  Warren, 
Joseph  Warren, 
"         Edward  Wilson, 

Frederick  Hartman, 
"         William  Taylor. 


DISCHARGED. 


Private  Garret  Barry, 
"       John  Bogardus, 
"      Thomas  Dooley, 
"      Henry  Hardenbrook, 
"      Patrick  Riley, 
"      John  F.  Shaw, 


Private  Charles  M.  Brower, 
"       Dines  Costello, 
"       John  Jarnett, 
'       Jaines  Mulligan, 
'       John  Ross, 

William  Tompkins, 


Nicholas  White. 


85 


DEAD. 


Private  Chas.  A.  Ring-old, 

"  Joseph  Boyle, 

u  William  Blake. 

"  Edward  Cusing, 

"  Wm.  Cheyne, 

"  Thomas  T.  Davies, 

"  Benjamin  Johnston, 

"  Thomas  Lawler, 

"  John  Sullivan, 


John  Brower, 
John  Burke, 
James  Cook, 
Charles  Carpenter, 
Henry  Clarke, 
Wm.  S.  Evans, 
Edward  Reily, 
Michael  Manning, 
James  Muracke. 


COMPANY  G. 


CAPTAIN  DANIEL  E.  HUNGERFORD- 


Lieut.    M.  N.  Croft, 
"        Henry  Gaines, 
"        John  Wilson, 

Serg't    Chas.  A.  Sammons, 
"        Chas.  L.  Thompson, 
"       Wm.  H.  Willis, 
"        Chas.  F.  Hall, 

Corp'l   Alb'n  K.  P.  Wallace, 
"        Henry  Rogers, 
"      William  Doyle, 
"      John  Splain, 

Private  John  Brown, 
"      Barnes  Nelson, 
"      James  Cronley, 
"      Dominick  Nelson, 
Bernard  De  Young, 
James  Gibson, 
Lewis  De  Grandval, 


u 


Private  James  Hart, 

Thomas  Healy, 

"  Dan'l  Montgomery. 

"  John  Morton, 

"  James  Munigan, 

"  John  McDonnell, 

"  James  McGill, 

"  John  Noyes, 

"  Chas.  E.  Patterson, 

"  Thomas  Powell, 

"  John  Smith, 

"  Arad  Smith, 

"  Alonzo  Sanborn, 

"  John  H.  Snyder, 

"  William  Shirtleff, 

"  Adam  Saun, 

"  Lot  Swift, 

"  William  Hart, 


86 


DISCHARGED. 

Lieut.     Wrn.  H.  Browne,       Private  Ebenezer  Fish,3 
Private  James  Wilson,  "        James  Smith,4 

"      Thomas  P.  Bowen,          "        John  McKinney,5 
"      Edward  Carr,1  "        Frederick  Fox,6 

"      Varnum  Van  Slyke,1      "        John  Dillon, 
'•      Martin  Finney,'2  "        Josiah  B.  Davis, 

"       William  Hart,2  "        John  0.  Donnell,1 

"      Charles  Crap,3  u        James  Peck, 

Peter  Farley.4 

DEAD. 

Corpl.  Jacob  Albrecht,8  Private  Charles  Wheeler,11 

Private  Orrin  Elwood,11  "  William  Bell,1 

"  Robert  Devoe,10  "  John  Benjamin,11 

"  Bernard  Crummie,10  "  Thomas  Topham,11 

"  Andrew  Kline,10  "  Chas.  E.  Randall,11 

"  Alex.  Rodney,10  "  Peter  E.  Butcher,11 

"  John  Seaw,9  "  Frank  Smith,11 

"  Joseph  A.  Dennis,9  "  Thomas  Ingham,11 

NOTE. 

'Wounded  at  Churubusco.       'Disabled  while   prisoner   of 

2Lost  his  leg-  at  war. 

3Wounded  twice  at  "  8Killed  at  Puebla. 

4Lost  his  arm  at       "  9     "      at  the  Garita  de  Belen 

5 Wounded  at  city  of  Mexico.10     "      at  Churubusco. 

6Ruptured  while  in  service.    nDied  in  Hospital. 


87 


COMPANY  H. 


CAPTAIN  ALDISON  FABNSWORTH. 


Serg't.    Henry  Moorhead,        Private  George  Craig, 


Tyler  W.  Gray, 

"       Geo.  A.  Seaman, 

"       Jarvis  Streeter, 

Cor'pl    John  Butler, 

"       Hezekiah  Dare, 

"       John  Mackey, 

"       John  Govver, 

Mus'n.  Daniel  O'Keefe, 

Private  James  Brady,  " 

"         Wm.  H.  Brumaghin,    " 

"         William  White,  " 

Asa  Burke. 


u 
u 
a 
u 

a 


Jeremiah  Daly, 
Alfred  Dougherty, 
John  H.  Duffy, 
William  Gross, 
James  Leary, 
Alonzo  Mather, 
George  Porter, 
Norman  Van  Beuren, 
R.  P.  Van  Ranken, 
Henry  Webb, 
Cornelius  Winters, 


DISCHARGED. 


Lieut.  Jacob  Griffin,  Jr.,        Private  Alvin  McCune, 


Serg't.    James  Ashton, 
"       William  Boyd, 
Corp'l.  Robert  Haines, 
Private  Nathan  Bowen, 
"       William  T.  Burgess, 
"        Henry  Clemshire, 
Peter  Duross, 


Joshua  L.  Simmons, 
Patrick  Crimiere, 
James  Dever, 
John  Allison, 
Patrick  Roney, 
John  Conner, 
Robert  Dyes. 


John  W.  Lyon. 


88 


DEAD. 


Capt.    Abraham  Van  Olinda,1  Private  Sopphe  Myers, 


1st  Lt.  Charles  F.  Gallagher 
Private  William  A.  Jeffries, 

"         Geo.  E.  Waddell, 

"         William  Allison,2 

"         Adam  Hansel, 

"         John  Meserve, 

Michael  Butler. 


u 


Joseph  Richardson, 
Samuel  S.  Steele, 
David  Niblock, 
Ransen  Pettit. 
Wm.  M.  Cooper, 
Geo.  Shaw, 


NOTE. 


Killed  at  Chapultepec.         2  Killed  at  Churubusco. 


89 
COMPANY  I. 

CAPTAIN  MORTON  FAIBCHILD. 


Lieut.  David  Scannell, 

"  William  Wiley, 

Private  Jacob  R.  Riley, 

"  Augustus  Brelett, 

"  Samuel  Duffin, 

"  Thomas  Normand, 

"  WTilliam  McGuire, 

"  Thomas  L.  Decker, 

"  George  Pemberton, 

"  Benjamin  Romain, 

"  David  Cairy, 

u  John  Coleman, 

"  William  Daily, 

"  Joseph  Duffin, 

u  Joseph  Franklin, 


Private  John  S.  Gardner, 

"  James  Higgins, 

"  James  Button, 

"  Richard  Headrick, 

"  Marx  M.  Hart, 

u  Patrick  Minatur, 

"  Henry  Phillips, 

"  Edward  H.  Ross, 
Thomas  Rowley, 

"  Geo.  W.  Struthers, 

"  Philip  Streeter, 

"  James  Stivers, 

"  George  Thistleton, 

"  William  Zwick, 

"  Joseph  Fly. 


DISCHARGED. 


Lieut.  James  D.  Potter, 
"       James  W.  Greene, 

Private  Patrick  McCarty, 
"       Frederick  Stokes, 
"       John  Hepburn, 
"       Harvey  Lake, 
"       Thomas  L.  Doty, 
"       James  Curren, 
"       Sam.  Gardner, 
"       James  Mullen, 
"       John  Thurston, 

George 


Private  John  Sanders, 
"       Daniel  Robertson, 
<:       Henry  Bird, 
"       John  C.  Mathews, 
"       Horace  J.  Meech, 
"       Leonard  W.  Howes, 
"       Edward  Cook, 
"       Robert  Dulay, 
"       Joseph  Emmons, 
"       Richard  Oxton, 
u       Edward  Tenney, 

Loomis. 


90 


DEAD. 


Private  Charles  M.  Tucker,     Private  Thomas  Halsey, 


James  Mullen, 
Henry  Holmes, 
John  Hammond, 
George  L.  Wilbur, 
William  Craig, 
Charles  Glenn, 
Smith  Harris, 


u 

a 
a 
a 
« 

a 
u 


Ebenezer  Cook, 
John  Watkin, 
Joseph  Bell, 
Wm.  H.  T.  Burns, 
George  Coleman, 
James  Murphy. 
Wm.  H.  Bishop, 


Moses  D.  Day. 


91 


Lieut. 

u 


Corp' 

a 


COMPANY  K. 


CAPTAIN  CHARLES  H.  INNIS. 


James  S.  McCabe, 
John  Rafferty, 
Serg't.    John  McLean, 
"       Edward  Reynolds, 
"       George  Beebe, 
"       Lewis  D.  Frost, 
P.  N.  Lawler, 
Frederick  Cook, 
"       Henry  S.  Johnson, 
"       Eliphalet  Everett, 
Private  Harman  I.  Beach, 
James  Bowen, 
John  Boyce, 
"         William  Burns, 
"         F.  H.  Bennich, 
«         C.  W.  Baker, 


Private  John  B.  Beattie, 
John  Collins, 
Augustus  Dol linger, 
Mathew  Dougherty, 
Arrin  Harrington, 
Peter  Jacobs, 
Ferdinand  Labahn, 
"         Michael  F.  Morris, 

James  Plate, 
"         James  H.  Pitts, 
"         William  Rhoads, 
u         William  Dempsey, 
"         Jacob  C.  Somers, 
Gushard  Speakart, 
"        J.  R.  Baker. 


DISCHARGED. 


Lieut.  William  Taylor, 
Sergt.    Joseph  Henriques, 
"       William  Hughes, 
'•'       Samuel  D.  Sirrine, 
Corpl.  Alexander  G.  Moran, 
Private  John  D.  Baker, 
"       Charles  D.  Lane, 
"       Henry  S.  Woods, 


Private  William  Jones, 

"  John  Cook, 

"  Edward  Williams, 

"  William  Stow, 

"  Benjamin  F.  Bross, 

"  Jarnes  0.  Hern, 

"  Thomas  L.  Tombs, 

"  Randolph  Tuttle. 


92 


DEAD. 

Private  Patrick  Fagan,  Private  Thomas  Burnett, 

u       James  Maxlum,  "       Jasper  Lynt, 

"        Charles  Folley,  "       Charles  Robbins, 

"        John  L.  Young,  "       Henry  Havern, 

l(       Andrew  Van  Allen,        "       Thomas  Mullins, 
"        Alexander  Cook,  "       Nathaniel  J.  Randall, 

"       William  Millon,  "       Thomas  K.  Boerum, 

James  Horton. 


REPORT  OF  THE  JOINT   COMMITTEE 

APPOINTED  TO  MAKE  ARRANGEMENTS  FOR  THE 

RECEPTION 

OF  THE 

FIRST  REGIMENT  NEW  YORK  VOLUNTEERS, 

ON  THEIR  RETURN  FROM  MEXICO. 


The  officers  and  men  of  the  First  Regiment  of  New  York 
Volunteers  bejng,  with  the  other  troops  composing  the 
American  army,  on  their  return  to  their  country  and  their 
homes  from  Mexico,  after  the  conclusion  of  the  war,  it  was 
deemed  that  a  public  and  appropriate  reception,  under  the 
direction  of  the  municipal  authorities,  should  be  tendered 
them  on  their  arrival  in  this  city,  as  a  testimony  of  the  esti 
mation  entertained  by  their  fellow-citizens,  of  the  gallant 
bearing  of  the  regiment,  evinced  in  some  of  the  most  bril 
liant  triumphs  of  American  arms,  especially  at  the  battle  of 
Churubusco,  at  the  storming  of  Chapultepec,  at  both  of 
which  places  it  displayed  a  courage  and  a  heroism  which 
have  justly  distinguished  it  as  one  of  the  bravest  regiments 
of  the  whole  army,  during  the  war. 


94 

It  was  also  deemed  proper  to  celebrate  at  the  same  time, 
the  restoration  of  the  peaceful  relations  which  formerly 
existed  between  our  own  and  the  neighboring  republic  of 
Mexico. 

Accordingly,  on  the  26th  of  June,  1848,  in  the  Board  of 
Aldermen,  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  were  pre 
sented  by  Alderman  Smith,  viz: 

Whereas,  Official  information  has  been  received,  that 
peace  has  been  restored  between  this  country  and  Mexico, 
and  that  the  gallant  soldiers  who  have  nobly  sustained 
themselves  upon  many  a  well-fought  field,  and  shed  a 
lustre  upon  the  American  arms,  are  now  about  to  return  to 
their  respective  homes;  and 

Whereas,  Among  those  most  honorably  distinguished, 
are  the  men  composing  the  New  York  Regiment,  who  are 
daily  expected  to  arrive  in  this  city  ;  and 

Whereas,  It  has  been  usual,  upon  the  return  of  peace, 
for  our  citizens  to  mingle  in  some  public  demonstration, 
by  which  they  may  express  their  gratitude  for  so  great 
a  blessing,  and  to  testify  to  those  who  may  have  partici 
pated  in  the  strife  of  arms,  the  value  in  which  they  hold 
their  services,  and  congratulate  them  upon  their  escape 
from  danger,  and  a  safe  return  to  their  families  and  homes  ; 
therefore, 

Resolved,  (if  the  Board  of  Assistants  concur,)  That  a 
Committee  be  now  appointed  to  lake  this  subject  into  con 
sideration,  and  upon  the  return  of  the  troops  of  our  State 


95 

from  Mexico,  to  recommend  and  carry  out  such  demonstra 
tion  as  in  their  judgment  may  be  fit  and  proper,  for  the 
purpose  of  testifying  our  gratification  upon  the  return  of 
peace,  and  the  complete  triumph  of  the  American  arms  in 
the  recent  contest  in  Mexico. 

The  same  were  unanimously  adopted  by  the  said  Board, 
and  Aldermen  Smith,  De  Forest,  Gray,  Libby  and  Swart- 
wout  were  appointed  such  Committee  on  the  part  thereof, 
the  President  being  added  thereto. 

On  the  same  day,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Assistant 
Aldermen,  Mr.  Hibbard  also  presented  the  following  pre 
amble  and  resolutions  in  relation  to  the  same  subject,  viz : 

Whereas,  It  is  becoming  a  great  and  magnanimous  peo 
ple,  while  rejoicing  in  the  restoration  and  blessings  of 
peace,  to  be  mindful  also  of  those  whose  personal  sacrifices, 
priva'ions  and  valor  won  a  boon  so  grateful  to  humanity  ; 
and 

Whereas,  It  is  understood  that  the  First  Regiment  of 
New  York  Volunteers  have  embarked  from  Vera  Cruz, 
and  may  be  expected  shortly  to  arrive  in  our  city  ;  and 

Whereas,  Every  man  comprising  our  small  army  in 
Mexico,  was  expected  to  do  his  duty,  and  it  appears 
that  the  individual  fortitude,  conduct  and  bravery  of 
our  volunteers  fully  sustained  the  expectations  of  their 
fellow-citizens — covering  themselves  with  imperishable  re 
nown — elevating  the  standard  and  military  character  of 
their  country  at  home  and  abroad — deserving  alike  the 
gratitude  and  benediction  of  a  free  people;  therefore,  be  it 


96 

Resolved,  That  the  city  of  New  York,  not  unmindful  of 
the  merit  and  services  of  those  brave  men,  who  volunteered 
to  represent  her  in  the  army  of  our  common  country  upon 
the  soil  of  Mexico,  should  welcome  their  return  to  their 
country,  families  and  friends,  with  grateful  acknowledg 
ments  for  the  faithful  and  brilliant  manner  in  which  they 
have  fulfilled  their  duties — in  nobly  sustaining  our  honor 
and  flag  on  the  battle  fields  of  Mexico — in  their  moderation 
in  victory — in  their  humanity  to  the  sick  and  wounded  of 
the  enemy — as  well  as  their  irrepressible  energy  and  valor 
in  action. 

Resolved,  (if  the  Board  of  Aldermen  concur,)  That  a 
Committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  arrange  the  proper  recep 
tion  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates 
of  the  First  Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers,  upon  their 
arrival,  and  to  escort  them  through  the  city  ;  and  that  the 
military,  civic  societies,  and  citizens  generally,  be  invited 
to  join  with  the  Common  Council  in  their  reception. 

Which  were  likewise  unanimously  adopted,  and  Assist 
ant  Aldermen  Hibbard,  Jamison,  Miller,  Schultz  and  Getty 
appointed  such  Committee  on  the  part  of  the  Board, 
together  with  the  President  thereof. 

Both  sets  of  preambles  and  resolutions  were  respectively 
concurred  in  by  the  Board  of  Aldermen  and  the  Board  of 
Assistant  Aldermen,  and  the  same  Committees  appointed 
thereon. 

They  were  subsequently  approved  by  his  Honor  the 
Mayor. 


97 

The  Joint  Committee,  in  accordance  therewith,  met  for 
the  first  time  on  the  evening  of  the  29th  of  June  last,  and 
after  organizing,  and  making  some  progress  in  relation  to 
the  subject  committed  to  their  charge,  adjourned  to  the  6th 
of  July  following, — the  Secretary  being  directed  to  invite 
Major  General  Sandford,  and  Brigadier  Generals  Storms, 
Morris,  Hall  and  Ewen,  to  attend  their  subsequent  meet 
ings. 

The  Chief  Engineer  of  the  Fire  Department  was  also 
invited  to  be  present. 

On  the  6th  of  July,  the  Committee  re-assembled,  and 
were  then  informed,  from  a  reliable  source,  that  a  portion 
of  the  regiment,  under  the  command  of  Major  Garret 
Dyckman,  had  embarked  at  New  Orleans,  on  the  27th  of 
June,  in  the  steambark  u  Edith,"  for  Fort  Hamilton . 
Their  arrival  was  consequently  expected  within  a  few 
days. 

The  Committee  being  possessed  of  no  certain  information 
in  relation  to  the  time  of  departure,  or  expected  arrival  of 
the  remaining  companies,  and  they  also  being  desirous  that 
the  whole  regiment  should  be  present  at  the  reception  about 
to  be  tendered  it,  it  was  determined  to  communicate  with 
the  War  Department,  in  order  that  directions  might  be 
given  or  issued  therefrom  to  continue  in  the  service,  the 
companies  which  should  first  arrive,  until  the  arrival  of  the 
whole  regiment. 

In  accordance  therewith,  Major  General  Sandford,  and 
Alderman  Smith,  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  were 

7 


98 

appointed  a  sub-Committee  to  communicate  with  the  War 
Department  in  relation  to  this  subject,  as  well  as  to  request 
permission  for  the  other  troops  that  might  be  at  the  time 
on  this  station,  to  unite,  in  the  ceremonies  of  the  occa 
sion. 

Major  General  Sanclford,  one  of  this  sub-Committee, 
subsequently  addressed  the  following  letter  to  the  Secretary 
of  War. 

"  NEW  YORK,  JULY  7,  1848. 
MY  DEAR  SIR  : 

The  Corporation  of  the  city  of  New  York  has  made 
extensive  arrangements  for  a  public  reception  of  the  New 
York  Volunteers,  upon  their  return  from  Mexico,  and  has 
prepared  medals,  with  suitable  inscriptions,  to  be  presented 
to  every  member  of  the  regiment. 

The  military  of  the  city,  with  the  civic  societies,  and  the 
citizens  at  large,  are  making  preparations  to  unite  in  this 
reception,  and  it  is  intended  to  combine  with  the  occasion 
a  celebration  of  the  peace  with  Mexico,  and  the  triumphant 
return  of  our  army. 

Under  these  circumstances  I  address  you,  by  request  of 
the  Committee  of  Arrangements  of  the  Common  Council, 
to  request  that  you  will  give  directions  to  the  commanding 
officer  on  this  station,  not  to  disband  any  part  of  the  regi 
ment  of  New  York  Volunteers,  until  the  whole  are  here 
and  prepared  to  attend  this  public  reception  ;  and  that  you 
will  give  permission  that  all  the  troops  from  Mexico,  which 
may  then  be  on  this  station,  may  be  brought  over  to  the 
city  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  in  the  celebration. 


99 

It  is  understood  here  that  seven  companies  of  the  New 
York  regiment  are  now  on  their  way  to  this  port  from  New 
Orleans  ;  and  that  the  remaining  three  companies  are 
coming  here  from  Vera  Cruz  direct.  If  this  be  so,  they 
will  probably  arrive  within  a  few  days  of  each  other,  and 
you  will  confer  a  special  favor  upon  this  city  by  retaining 
the  companies  which  arrive  first,  until  the  others  appear. 

I  am  very  respectfully, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

CHAS.  W.  SANDFORD. 
The  Hon.  W.  L.  MARCY, 

Secretary  of  War. 

On  the  eleventh  day  of  July  the  "  Edith,"  with  the 
detachment,  under  the  command  of  Major  Dyckrnan,  on 
board,  consisting  of  four  companies,  viz:  Companies  A,  B, 
E  and  H,  anchored  at  the  Quarantine.  Her  arrival  was 
hailed  by  the  display  of  the  national  colors  from  the  City 
Hall,  and  the  various  hotels  and  public  buildings  in  the 
city,  as  well  as  from  the  numerous  shipping  in  the  port. 

No  answer  as  yet,  on  the  13th  of  July,  having  been 
received  by  Major-General  SANDFORD  to  his  letter  to  the 
Secretary  of  War,  and  the  remaining  companies  of  tlie 
regiment  not  having  arrived,  it  was  feared  from  the  "gen 
eral  orders"  published  by  the  department,  in  relation  to 
the  discharge  of  the  Volunteers  on  their  arrival  at.  their 
respective  destinations,  that  those  companies  which  were 
already  here,  would  be  discharged  before  the  arrival  of  the 
remaining  ones,  unless  the  request  of  the  Committee  in 
this  respect  was  complied  with.  Accordingly,  on  that  day, 


100 

his  Honor  the  Mayor  addressed  a  letter  to  the  Adjutant 
General  of  the  army,  at  Washington,  embracing1  a  similar 
request. 

An  answer  was  soon  afterwards,  on  the  16th  of  July, 
received  thereto,  expressing  the  regret  that  the  existing 
arrangements  of  the  department  could  not  be  changed  ;  and 
also  a  copy  thereof  was  received  on  the  same  day  by  Major 
General  Sandford,  with  an  endorsement  requesting  him  to 
accept  it  as  an  answer  to  his  letter  on  the  same  subject  to 
the  Secretary  of  War. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  letter  received  by  his 
Honor  the  Mayor,  from  the  Adjutant  General : 

ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE,          ) 
Washington,  July  15,  1848.  $ 

SIR: — I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  Secretary  of 
War,  your  letter  of  the  13(h  inst.,  requesting  that  the  dis 
charge  of  the  New  York  Regiment  of  Volunteers  may  be 
postponed  until  the  arrival  of  all  the  companies,  with  a 
view  to  a  public  reception  of  the  regiment  as  a  body^  by 
the  Common  Council  of  the  city  of  New  York. 

With  every  disposition  to  further  the  views  of  the  city 
authorities,  the  Secretary  of  War  doubts  whether,  inde 
pendently  of  the  known  wishes  of  the  Volunteers  them 
selves,  for  an  immediate  discharge  on  reaching  the  United 
States,  it  would  be  legal  to  order  them  to  be  retained  in 
service,  after  their  arrival  at  the  several  points  of  rendezvous, 
longer  than  may  be  absolutely  necessary  to  prepare  the 
rolls,  &c.,  for  their  muster  and  discharge  as  indicated  in  the 


101 

"  general  orders"  heretofore  published,  and  he  therefore 
instructs  me  to  express  his  regret,  that  the  existing  arrange 
ments  cannot  be  changed. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
[Signed]  R.  JONES,  A.  G. 

W.  F.  HAVEMEYER,  ESQ., 

Mayor  of  the  city  of  New  York. 

The  department  having,  therefore,  refused,  for  the  rea 
sons  set  forth  in  the  letter  of  the  Adjutant-General,  lo 
interfere  with  the  orders,  heretofore  published,  two  of  the 
companies,  viz  :  Company  E,  Capt.  Robert  A.  Carter,  and 
Company  H,  Capt.  Addison  Farnsworth,  were  on  or  about 
the  22d  of  July,  mustered  and  discharged  from  the  service 
of  the  United  States. 

On  the  same  day,  the  22d,  the  remaining  companies 
with  the  staff  of  the  regiment,  under  the  command  of  Lt. 
Col.  James  C.  Burnham,  arrived  in  the  ship  "  Fanny  For 
rester."  They  were  soon  after  disembarked  and  took  up 
their  quarters  at  Fort  Hamilton. 

In  the  meantime,  the  Committee  had  progressed  with 
and  nearly  perfected  their  arrangements,  and  were  only 
awaiting  the  arrival  of  this  last  detachment,  in  order  to 
complete  them,  and  fix  the  day  for  the  reception.  The 
detachment,  therefore,  having  arrived,  they  proceeded  to 
complete  the  arrangements,  and,  on  consultation  with  Col. 


102 

Burnett,  the  commander  of  the  regiment  and  other  officers 
thereof,  Thursday  the  27th  of  July,  was  designated  as  the 
day. 

Among-  other  arrangements,  it  was  concluded  that  on  the 
day  of  reception,  the  Common  Council  should  proceed  in 
a  steamboat,  to  be  procured  for  the  occasion,  to  Fort  Ham 
ilton,  and  having  received  the  regiment  on  board,  escort  it 
to  Castle  Garden,  where  his  Honor  the  Mayor  would 
receive  the  officers  and  men  composing  it,  and  bid  them 
welcome  in  the  name  of  the  citizens  of  New  York. 

The  ceremony  being  concluded,  they  were  to  be  received 
by  the  military,  under  the  command  of  Major  General 
Sandford,  drawn  up  in  line  on  the  Battery,  with  the  high 
est  military  honors,  and  thence  escorted  by  them  through 
the  various  streets  of  the  city,  to  be  designated  as  the  line 
of  march  in  the  programme  of  the  day,  back  to  the  Castle. 

On  their  return  to  the  Garden,  the  Colors  of  the  Regi 
ment,  together  with  the  one  presented  to  it  by  Major  General 
Scott,  in  the  city  of  Mexico,  as  a  distinguished  mark  of  his 
estimation  of  its  bravery  exhibited  in  the  battles  in  which 
it  was  engaged,  were  to  be  presented  to  the  city,  and  re 
ceived  on  the  part  thereof  by  his  Honor  the  Mayor. 

After  the  conclusion  of  this  ceremony,  the  medals  pre 
pared  under  the  direction  of  the  Joint  Medal  Committee, 
by  the  order  of  the  Common  Council,  were  to  be  presented 
by  the  Hon.  Morris  Franklin,  President  of  the  Board  of  Al 
dermen,  to  the  officers  and  men  of  the  regiment  entitled  to 
receive  them. 


103 

The  regiment  was  then  to  return  to  Fort  Hamilton,  under 
the  escort  of  the  Common  Council. 

The  Committee  also  concluded  to  furnish  the  regiment 
refreshments  on  board  of  the  boat,  both  on  coming  up  from 
and  returning  to  the  boat. 

In  order  the  more  fully  to  carry  out  a  portion  of  the 
foregoing  arrangements, 

Messrs.  Schultz,  Hibbard  and  Small,  and  the  Chairman 
of  the  Committee,  were  appointed  a  sub-Committee  to  pro 
cure  a  suitable  boat  for  the  occasion. 

Messrs.  Schultz,  Libby  and  Small,  were  also  appointed 
a  sub-Committee,  to  cause  the  necessary  refreshments  to  be 
furnished. 

On  account  of  the  large  number  of  guests  to  be  received 
at  Fort  Hamilton  on  board  of  the  boat,  it  was  concluded 
that  no  invitations  should  be  extended  to  accompany  the 
Common  Council,  except  to  Major-General  Sandford,  Brig 
adier-Generals  Storms,  Morris,  Hall  and  Ewen,  with  their 
respective  staffs,  and  the  members  of  the  press. 

A  special  invitation  was  directed  to  be  sent  to  Major 
General  Scott,  then  being  on  a  visit  for  the  benefit  of  his 
health  at  Rockaway,  Long  Island.  The  same  was  subse 
quently  dispatched  by  a  special  messenger. 

The  Committee  had  at  first  intended  to  embrace  a  civic 
and  military  procession  ;  but  after  further  consideration,  it 
was  determined  to  dispense  with  the  civic  portion  of  it,  so 
as  to  have  a  purely  military  one,  it  being  in  the  opinion  of 
the  Committee,  more  consonant  with  the  occasion. 


104 


ACCORDINGLY    THE    FOLLOWING    ORDERS    ISSUED    BY    THE 
VARIOUS    COMMANDERS    OF   THE 


WERE    LAID    BEFORE    THE    COMMITTEE 


FIRST  DIVISION— N.  Y.  S.  M. 


DIVISION  ORDERS. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  24,  1848. 

This  division  will  parade  on  Thursday  next,  the  27th 
inst.,  (in  concurrence  with  the  arrangements  made  by  the 
Corporation  of  the  city,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the 
First  Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers,  upon  their  trium 
phant  return  from  the  battle-fields  of  Mexico. 

The  division  line  will  be  formed  upon  the  Battery,  with 
the  right  on  Whitehall,  at  quarter  past  ten  o'clock,  A.  M., 
precisely,  immediately  after  which  the  Volunteers  will  be 
received  by  the  division. 

The  salute,  upon  the  landing  of  the  Volunteers  at  Castle 
Garden,  will  be  fired,  under  the  direction  of  Brigadier- 
General  Morris  of  the  second  brigade. 

Brigadier-General  Hall,  of  the  third  brigade,  will  direct 
two  troops  of  horse  to  report  to  the  Division  Inspector  upon 


105 

the  Battery,  at  10  o'clock,  precisely,  and  a  troop  to  report 
to  the  Major-General  at  the  same  hour,  at  his  quarters,  for 
escort  duty. 

By  order  of 

C.  W.  SANDFORD, 

Major-General. 
R.  C.  WETMORE,  Division  Inspector. 


FIRST  BRIGADE— N.  Y.  S.  MILITIA. 


BRIGADE    ORDERS. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  24,  1848. 

This  brigade  will,  in  pursuance  with  division  orders, 
parade  on  Thursday  next,  the  27th  instant,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  receiving  the  First  Regiment  of  New  York  Volun 
teers.  The  line  will  be  formed  on  the  Battery,  at  10 
o'clock,  A.  M. 

By  order  of 

BRIGADIER  GENERAL  STORMS. 

J.  A.  BOGART,  Brigade  Major. 

H.  JOHNSON  STORMS,  Aid-de-Camp . 


106 


SECOND  BRIGADE— N.  I.  S.  MILITIA. 


BRIGADE  ORDERS. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  24,  1848. 

In  compliance  with  division  orders  of  this  date,  the 
brigade  will  parade  on  Thursday  next,  the  27th  instant,  for 
the  purpose  of  receiving  the  First  Regiment  of  New  York 
Volunteers. 

The  line  will  be  formed  on  the  Battery  at  10  o'clock, 
A.  M  ,  precisely. 

The  national  salute  will  be  fired  by  the  fourth  regiment, 
upon  the  landing  of  the  troops. 

Col.  Yates  will  make  a  requisition  upon  the  Commissary- 
General  for  the  necessary  ammunition. 


FRED'KA.  WOODWORTH, 

Acting  Brigade-Major. 


107 


THIRD  BRIGADE— N.  Y.  S.  MILITIA. 


BRIGADE    ORDERS. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  24,  1848. 

In  compliance  with  the  above  Division  order,  this 
Brigade  will  parade  on  Thursday  next,  the  27th  instant, 
for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the  First  Regiment  New  York 
Volunteers. 

The  line  will  be  formed  on  the  Battery,  at  10  o'clock, 
A.M.,  precisely. 

Brigade  staff  will  assemble  at  the  General's  quarters,  at 
half  past  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  resignation  of  Colonel  Ebenezer  Jessup,  of  the 
Ninth  Regiment,  has  been  accepted,  and  he  is  honorably 
discharged  the  service.  Lieut.  Col.  Ferris  will  assume  the 
command  of  said  regiment,  until  further  orders. 

Colonel  Ferris  will  direct  the  troop  of  horse  belonging  to 
the  Ninth  Regiment,  as  an  escort  to  the  Brigadier  General, 
to  report  at  his  quarters,  at  No.  16  White  street,  at  half 
past  9  o'clock. 

By  order  of 

W.  HALL,  Brigadier  General. 
JNO.  S.  NORTHROP,  Aid. 


108 
FOURTH  BRIGADE— N.  Y.  S.  MILITIA. 


BRIGADE    ORDERS. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  24,  1848. 

In  compliance  with  Division  orders  of  this  date,  the 
Brigade  will  parade  on  Thursday  next,  the  27th  inst.,  for 
the  purpose  of  receiving-  the  First  Regiment  of  New  York 
Volunteers. 

The  line  will  be  formed  on  the  Battery  at  10  o'clock, 
A.  M.  precisely. 

By  order  of 

BRIGADIER  GENERAL  JOHN  EWEN. 
,  Brigade  Major. 


FIRST  REGIMENT— N.  Y.  S.  MILITIA. 


REGIMENTAL    ORDERS. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  25,  1848. 

In  compliance  with  Brigade  orders,  this  regiment  will 
parade  fully  uniformed,  armed  and  equipped,  on  Thursday 
next,  the  27th  inst. 


109 

The  regimental  line  will  form  on  the  Battery,  the  right 
on  Whitehall  street,  at  half  past  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

By  order  of 

JOHN  STEWART,  Colonel. 
ISAAC  0.  HUNT,  Adjutant. 


SECOND  REGIMENT— N.  Y.  S.  MILITIA. 


REGIMENTAL    ORDER. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  25,  1848. 

In  pursuance  of  Division  and  Brigade  orders  of  this  date, 
this  regiment  will  parade  in  full  uniform  on  Thursday, 
27th  inst.,  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  regimental  line  will  be  formed  in  Mercer  street, 
right  on  Broome  street. 

By  order  of 

C.  B.  SPICER, 

Lieut.  Col.  Commanding. 

W.  M.  POSTLEY,  Adjutant. 


110 


HEAD  QUARTERS. 


THIRD    REGIMENT (HUZZARS) M.    S.  N.  Y. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  25,  1848. 

"  General  Orders,  July  24,  1848,"  are  hereby  promul 
gated  to  this  command  for  its  government. 

In  compliance  with  Division  and  Brigade  orders,  this 
Regiment  will  parade  on  Thursday  next,  the  27th  inst.,  in 
concurrence  with  the  arrangements  made  with  the  Corpo 
ration  of  the  city,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the  First 
Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers,  upon  their  triumphant 
return  from  the  battle  fields  of  Mexico. 


The  assemblee  will  be  on  the  usual  ground,  at  St.  John's 
square,  at  half  past  9  o'clock,  A.  M.,  of  said  day. 

By  order  of 

S.  BROOKE  POSTLEY,  Colonel, 

Commanding  Third  Regimen! 

(Hu.zzars)  M.  S.  N.  Y. 

C.  D.  STILES,  Adjutant. 
,  Sergeant- Major. 


Ill 
FOURTH  REGIMENT— N.  Y.  S.  M. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  25,  1848. 
ORDER  No.  44. 

The  foregoing  Division  and  Brigade  orders  are  promul 
gated  for  the  information  and  government  of  this  regiment. 

In  compliance  therewith  this  regiment  will  parade  as 
cavalry  and  light  artillery,  on  Thursday,  the  27th  instant. 
The  line  will  be  formed  in  White  street,  the  right  on 
Broadway,  at  8  o'clock,  A.  M.,  precisely.  Cavalry  and 
drivers  in  dark,  artillery  in  light  pantaloons. 

Commissary  General  Stewart  will  furnish  the  ammuni 
tion  necessary  for  a  national  salute. 

Horsemen,  and  all  acting  as  drivers,  will  report  their 
horses  at  the  Arsenal  yard,  at  7  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Quarter  Master  Alford  will  report  to  the  Commissary 
General  the  number  of  pieces  and  ditto  of  harness  required, 
at  least  one  day  prior  to  the  parade,  and  will  see  that  every 
piece  is  furnished  with  ammunition  and  proper  equipments. 

By  order  of 

CHAS.  YATES,  Colonel. 
JAS.  P.  POND,  Adjutant. 

J.  F.  SMITH,  Sergeant- Major. 


112 


FIFTH  REGIMENT— N.  Y.  S.  M. 


REGIMENTAL    ORDERS. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  24,  1848. 

Pursuant  to  Division  and  Brigade  orders,  this  regiment 
will  parade  fully  uniformed,  armed  and  equipped,  on 
Thursday,  the  27th  instant,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving 
the  Begiment  of  New  York  Volunteers  on  their  return  from 
Mexico . 

The  regimental  line  will  be  formed  in  Broome  street,  the 
right  on  Broadway,  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.,  precisely, 

Company  F.  will  escort  the  colors  to  the  ground. 

The  Colonel  gives  notice  that  he  will  hear  appeals  from 
non-commissioned  officers,  musicians  and  privates,  from 
fines  incurred  at  the  above  parade,  at  the  drill  room,  over 
Centre  market,  on  Monday,  the  7th  day  of  August,  at  4 
o'clock,  p.  M. 

By  order  of 

ANDREW  WARNER,  Colonel. 
SAMUEL  COULTER,  Adjutant. 


113 
GOVERNOR'S  GUARD— SIXTH  REGIMENT. 


SECOND    BRIGADE IST.  Y.  S.  MILITIA. 


ORDER  No.  4. 

NEW  YORK,  JULY  24,  1848. 

In  pursuance  of  Brigade  orders,  this  regiment  will  pa 
rade  on  Thursday  morning  next,  the  27th  instant,  fully 
uniformed,  armed  and  equipped  (white  pants  and  without 
knapsacks),  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the  First  Regi 
ment  of  New  York  Volunteers,  just  returned  from  the  bat 
tle-fields  of  Mexico. 

The  line  will  be  formed  in  Varick  street,  opposite  St. 
John's  church,  at  half-past  8  o'clock,  precisely. 

Edwin  J.  Mercer  is  hereby  appointed  adjutant  of  this 
regiment,  and  will  be  respected  accordingly. 

Acting  Adjutant  Dunham  will  be  relieved  from  his  du 
ties  as  adjutant,  after  the  parade  of  the  27th  instant,  with 
thanks  of  the  Colonel,  for  the  able  and  efficient  manner 
he  has  discharged  the  duties  of  that  office. 

By  order  of 

THOS.  F.  PEERS,  Colonel. 

W.  0.  DUNHAM,  Acting- Adjutant. 
8 


114 

SEVENTH  REGIMENT— N.  Y.  S,  MILITIA. 

REGIMENTAL    ORDER. 

No.  13. 

NEW  YORK,  JULY  25,  1848. 

In  compliance  with  Brigade  orders,  this  day  received, 
this  regiment  will  parade,  fully  uniformed,  armed  and 
equipped  (with  white  pants,)  on  Thursday  next,  the  27th 
instant  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the  New  York  Volun 
teers,  on  their  return  from  Mexico. 

The  line  will  form  in  front  of  the  City  Hall,  at  half-past 
9,  A.  M. 

By  order  of 

COLONEL  BREMNER. 
J.  L.  MORGAN,  Adjutant. 


EIGHTH  REGIMENT— N.  Y.  S.  MILITIA. 


HEAD  QUARTERS WASHINGTON  GREYS. 

ORDER  No.  18. 

NEW  YORK,  July  25,  1848. 

In  compliance  with  Brigade  orders  of  the  24th  inst.,  this 
regiment  will  parade  on  Thursday  next,  the  27th  inst.,  to 


115 

join' in  the  reception  of  the  First  Regiment  New  York 
State  Volunteers,  recently  returned  from  their  brilliant 
Mexican  campaign. 

Captain. Varian  will  report  with  his  troop  to  the  Major 
General,  at  a  quarter  before  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  at  his  quar 
ters,  No.  110  Chambers  street,  for  escort  duty. 

The  regimental  line  will  be  formed  in  the  Park,  right 
resting  on  Beekman  street,  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.,  precisely. 

By  order  of 

LIEUT.  COL.  WM.  BORDEN. 

JAS.  HENRY  DYER,  Acting  Adjutant. 
JNO.  V.  HARRIOTT,  Serg't  Major. 


HEAD  -QUARTERS. 
NINTH  REGIMENT— NEW  YORK  STATE  MILITIA. 


NATIONAL    CADETS ORDER    NO.    2. 


NEW  YORK,  July  24,  1848. 

In  compliance  with  Division  and  Brigade  orders,  for  the 
purpose   of  receiving   the  First  Regiment  of  New    York 


116 

Volunteers,  this  regiment  will  parade,  fully  uniformed, 
armed  and  equipped  (except  knapsacks),  and  white  panta 
loons,  on  the  regimental  parade  ground,  Broome  street, 
right  resting  on  Broadway,  on  Thursday  the  27th  July 
instant. 

The  regimental  line  will  be  formed  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  commandant  of  each  company  is  directed,  at  each 
roll  call  on  the  day  of  parade,  to  read  or  cause  to  be  read 
to  his  company  the  following  notice,  and  also  to  have  the 
same  printed  in  his  company  order. 

The  commanding  officer  of  this  regiment,  in  accord 
ance  with  the  statute  in  such  case  made  and  provided,  gives 
notice  that  he  will  attend  at  Military  Hall,  No,  193  Bowery, 
in  the  city  of  New  York,  on  Thursday  the  3d  day  of  Au 
gust  next,  at  8  o'clock,  p.  M.,  and  will  then  and  there  hear 
all  appeals  that  may  be  made  to  him,  for  the  remission  of 
any  penalty  incurred  by  any  non-commissioned  officer  or 
private  under  his  command. 

The  resignation  of  Colonel  Ebenezer  Jessup  has  been 
accepted  by  the  Brigadier  General,  and  by  brigade  orders 
he  is  honorably  discharged  from  the  service. 

By  order  of 

B.  CLINTON  FERRIS, 

Lieut.  Col.  Commanding. 

J.  VAN  WINKLE,  Adjutant. 


117 

TENTH  REGIMENT— N.  Y.  STATE  MILITIA. 

REGIMENTAL  ORDERS. 


NEW  YORK,  JULY  25,  1848. 

In  compliance  with  Division  and  Brigade  orders  of  the 
24th  inst.,  this  regiment  will  parade,  fully  uniformed  and 
equipped,  with  white  pantaloons  (and  without  knapsacks), 
on  Thursday  next,  the  27th  of  July  inst.,  for  the  purpose 
of  receiving  the  First  Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers. 

The  regimental  line  will  be  formed  on  Hanover  square, 
at  9  o'clock  and  30  minutes,  A.  M.,  precisely. 

The  commander  of  the  regiment  gives  notice,  that  he 
will  attend  at  Military  Hall,  No.  193  Bowery,  on  Wednes 
day,  the  16th  of  August  next,  at  8  o'clock,  p.  M.,  and  will 
then  and  there  hear  all  appeals  that  may  be  made  to  him, 
for  the  remission  of  any  penalty  incurred  by  any  non 
commissioned  officer  or  private  of  said  companies. 

The  captain  of  each  company  is  directed  to  read  or  cause 
to  be  read,  at  roll-call,  the  above  notice  to  his  company. 

By  order  of 

COL.  WILLIAM  HALSEY. 

JAMES  R.  DODGE,  Acting- Adjutant. 


118 

WASHINGTON  GUARD. 
ELEVENTH  REGIMENT— N.  Y.  STATE  MILITIA. 

ORDERS  NO.  13. 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  CITY  OF  NEW  YORK,  ) 
July  25,  1848.      J 

In  compliance  with  the  preceding1  Division  and  Brigade 
orders,  this  regiment  will  parade  in  full  uniform,  on  Thurs 
day,  the  27th  instant. 

The  line  will  be  formed  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M.,  in  Broome 
street,  right  on  Crosby  street. 

By  order  of 

COL.  ROBERT  C.  MORRIS. 
JOHN  P.  PRALL,  Adjutant. 


HEAD  QUARTERS— 12th  REGIMENT— N.  Y.  S.  M. 


REGIMENTAL  ORDERS-NO.  4. 


NEW  YORK,  July  24,  1848. 

In  pursuance  of  the  foregoing  Division  and  Brigade 
orders,  this  regiment  will  parade  on  Thursday  next,  the 
27th  instant. 


119 

The  regimental  line  will  be  formed  in  Chambers  street, 
right  on  Broadway,  at  9  o'clock,  A.M. 

The  Court  of  Appeals,  for  the  above  parade,  will  be  held 
at  the  Branch  Hotel,  No.  36  Bowery,  on  Friday,  August 
4th,  at  8  o'clock,  P.M. 

By  order  of 

H.  G.  STEBBINS,  COL. 
JOHN  M.  KEELER,  Adjutant. 


A  vacancy  having  occurred  in  the  Committee  appointed 
on  the  part  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  in  consequence  of 
the  lamented  decease  of  the  late  Alderman  Robert  Svvart- 
wout,  Alderman  Crolius  was  appointed  by  the  Committee 
to  fill  the  same. 

The  arrangements  being  now  fully  completed,  and  the 
various  sub-Committees  having  reported, 

Messrs.  De  Forest,  Schultz  and  Miller  were  appointed 
a  sub-Committee  to  prepare  a  programme  of  arrangements} 
for  the  proposed  reception. 

The  sub -Committee  subsequently  reported  the  following, 
which  was  adopted  and  published  under  the  direction  of 
the  Joint  Committee  : 


PROGRAMME  OF  ARRANGEMENTS 

OF   THE 

RECEPTION 

OF   THE 

FIRST  REGIMENT  NEW  YORK  VOLUNTEERS, 

ON    THEIR -RETURN    FROM  MEXICO, 

BY  THE 

MUNICIPAL  AUTHORITIES  OF  THE  CITY  OF  NEW  YORK, 

UNDER  THE  DIRECTION   OF   THE    JOINT  COMMITTEE 
APPOINTED   FOR  THAT  PURPOSE. 


The  Common  Council  will,  at  8  o'clock,  on  Thursday 
morning,  the  27th  inst.,  proceed  in  the  steamboat  Columia, 
Captain  Fuller,  (which  has  been  generously  tendered  for 
the  occasion,  by  the  proprietors  of  the  People's  Line,)  to 
Fort  Hamilton,  where  they  will  receive  on  Board  the  First 
Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers,  and  return  with  them 
to  the  city,  landing  at  Castle  Garden  at  about  ten  o'clock. 

On  the  approach  of  the  steamboat  to  the  Battery,  and 
during  the  landing  of  the  Volunteers,  a  salute  will  be  fired 


121 

therefrom,  under  the  direction  of  Brigadier  General  Morris. 
They  will  then  proceed  to  the  Garden,  where  the  Mayor 
will  receive  and  welcome  them  to  the  city. 

The  ceremonies  of  reception  being1  concluded,  the  Vol 
unteers  will  be  received  by  the  First  Division  New  York 
State  Militia,  under  the  command  of  Major  General  Sand- 
ford,  formed  in  line  on  the  Battery,  with  the  highest  mili 
tary  honors. 

Immediately  thereafter  the  line  of  military  will  break 
into  column,  and  the  procession  will  march  in  the  following 
order  : 


Jtrst  £)hri0ton — $to  Sork  0tate  JJlUitta, 


UNDER  COMMAND  OF 


MAJOR  GENERAL  SANDFORD, 


CONSISTING  OF 


THE    FIRST   BRIGADE, 


COMMANDED   BY 


BRIGADIER  GENERAL  STORMS, 

COMPOSED  OF  THE  FOLLOWING  REGIMENTS,  VIZ  : 

FIRST — HORSE  ARTILLERY COL  .  STEWART. 

SECOND — INFANTRY COL.  SPICER. 

THIRD — CAVALRY »«.  .CoL.  POSTLEY. 


122 
TELE    SECOND    BRIGADE, 


COMMANDED   BY 


BRIGADIER  GENERAL  MORRIS. 

COMPOSED  OF  THE  FOLLOWING  REGIMENTS,  VIZ  : 

FOURTH — LIGHT  ARTILLERY '. COL.  YATES. 

FIFTH — INFANTRY COL.  WARNER. 

SIXTH — INFANTRY COL.  PEERS. 

THE    THIRD    BRIGADE, 

COMMANDED   BY 

BRIGADIER  GENERAL  HALL, 

COMPOSED    OF    THE    FOLLOWING    REGIMENTS,  VIZ  : 

SEVENTH — INFANTRY COL  .  BREMNER. 

EIGHTH — INFANTRY COL  .  BORDEN  . 

NINTH — INFANTRY COL.  FERRIS  . 

THE    FOURTH    BRIGADE, 

COMMANDED  BY 

BRIGADIER  GENERAL  EWEN, 

COMPOSED    OF    THE    FOLLOWING    REGIMENTS,  VIZ  : 

TENTH — INFANTRY , COL.  HALSEY. 

ELEVENTH — INFANTRY COL.  MORRIS  . 

TWELFTH — INFANTRY COL.  STEBBIBTS. 


123 
BAND. 

$  tr0t  Heghnent  of  $to  Sock 

COMMANDED    BY 

COL.  WARD  B.    BURNETT, 

WITH    THE    FOLLOWING    FIELD    AND    STAFF 

Lieutenant  Col.  JAMES  C.  BURNHAM, 
Major  GARRET  DYCKMAN, 
Adjutant  JAMES  S.  McCABE, 
Commissary  J.  F.  HUTTON, 
Quarter-Master  ISRAEL  MILLER, 
Surgeon  MINA  B.  HALSTEAD, 
Sergeant-Major  PATRICK  O'GORMAN, 
Quarter-Master  Sergeant  E.  MCCUTCHEON. 


AND    CONSISTING   OF   THE    FOLLOWING    COMPANIES,    VIZ 

COMPANY  A. 

CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  FORRY. 

COMPANY  B. 

CAPTAIN  ALFRED  W.  TAYLOR. 

COMPANY  C. 

CAPTAIN  GEORGE  B.  HALL. 

COMPANY  D. 

CAPTAIN  JAY  P.  TAYLOR. 


124 

THE  COLORS  OF  THE  REGIMENT, 

In  charge  of  several  officers  who  were  promoted  for  their 

gallantry  in  bearing  the  same  at  the  battles  of 

Churubusco  and  Chapultepec. 

COMPANY  E. 

CAPTAIN  ROBERT  A.  CARTER. 

COMPANY  F. 

CAPTAIN  SAMUEL  S.  GALLAGHER. 

COMPANY  G. 

CAPTAIN  DANIEL  D.  HUNGERFORD. 

COMPANY  H. 

CAPTAIN  ADDISON  FARNSWORTH. 

COMPANY  I. 

CAPTAIN  MORTON  FAIRCHILD. 

COMPANY  K. 

CAPTAIN  CHARLES  H.  INNES. 

CHATHAM  GUARD. 

Military  companies  out  of  the  city,  and  volunteer  fire 
companies  that  wish  to  participate  in  the  ceremonies  of  the 
reception,  will  be  assigned  a  place  therein,  in  the  order  in 
which  they  shall  report  themselves. 

The  procession  thus  formed,  will  then  proceed  up  Broad 
way  to  Park  row,  through  Park  row  to  Chatham  street ; 
up  Chatham  street  to  East  Broadway  j  up  East  Broadway 


125 

to  Grand  street ;  through  Grand  street  to  Broadway ;  down 
Broadway  to  Chambers  street ;  through  Chambers  street  to 
Greenwich  street ;  down  Greenwich  street  to  the  Battery. 

When  the  head  of  the  column  arrives  at  the  Battery,  the 
military  will  form  into  line,  and  the  Volunteers  will  pass 
in  front  of  the  line  into  the  Garden. 

After  the  return  of  the  Volunteers  to  the  Garden,  they 
will  be  drawn  up  therein  in  close  columns,  when  the  Pres 
ident  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  MORRIS  FRANKLIN,  Esq., 
will  present  them  with  the  MEDALS  ordered  by  the  Common 
Council,  (and  which  have  been  prepared  under  the  direc 
tion  of  the  Joint  Medal  Committee,  appointed  for  that  pur 
pose)  for  their  bravery  and  gallantry  evinced  in  Mexico, 
especially  in  the  battles  of  Churubusco  and  Cbapultepec,  in 
which  they  were  so  conspicuously  engaged. 

The  presentation  of  the  MEDALS  being  concluded,  the 
STANDARD  presented  to  the  Regiment  by  the  Corporation 
of  the  city  of  New  York,  immediately  preceding  their  de 
parture  for  Mexico,  on  which  is  emblazoned  the  coat-of- 
arms  of  the  city,  and  which,  after  being  triumphantly  borne 
in  the  various  battles  in  which  the  Regiment  was  engaged, 
was  the  first  to  float  from  the  walls  of  Chapultepec,  will  be 
delivered  by  Col.  Burnett,  commander  of  the  Regiment,  to 
his  Honor  the  Mayor,  who  will  receive  the  same,  as  well 
as  the  other  colors  of  the  Regiment,  in  behalf  of  the  city. 

The  ceremonies  of  the  day  being  thus  concluded,  the 
Volunteers  will  then  proceed  again  on  board  of  the  steam 
boat,  and  return  to  Fort  Hamilton  in  company  with  the 
Common  Council. 


126 

The  proprietors  of  public  buildings,  and  the  masters  and 
owners  of  vessels  in  port,  are  respectfully  requested  to  dis 
play  their  flags  during  the  day. 

The  owners  and  drivers  of  all  public  and  licensed  car 
riages  and  vehicles  are  directed  to  withdraw  them  from  the 
streets  through  which  the  procession  is  to  pass ;  and  the 
owners  of  private  vehicles  are  requested  to  comply  with  the 
same. 

The  Chief  of  Police  is  charged  with  the  enforcement  of 
the  above  order. 

By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Arrangements, 

WASHINGTON  SMITH, 

T.  R.  DE  FOREST, 

JAMES  S.  LIBBY, 

CLARKSON  CROLIUS, 

NIEL  GRAY, 

MORRIS  FRANKLIN,  President. 

Committee  on  the  part  of  the  Board  of  Jlldermen. 

TIMOTHY  R.  HIBBARD, 
A.  H.  SCHULTZ, 
ROBERT  P.  GETTY, 
JEDEDIAH  MILLER, 
JOSEPH  JAMISON, 
WILSON  SMALL,  President. 

Committee  on  the  part  of  the  Board  of  Assistants. 


127 


THE    DAY 

Having  arrived,  in  accordance  with  the  arrangements,  most 
of  the  members  of  the  Common  Council,  accompanied  by 
several  officers  attached  to  the  military  of  the  city,  and  also 
some  belonging  to  the  regiment,  as  well  as  several  mem 
bers  of  the  press,  assembled  on  board  of  the  steamboat 
Columbia,  at  the  foot  of  Beach  street,  and  within  a  few 
minutes  after  eight  o'clock,  the  hour  fixed  for  the  departure, 
were  on  the  way  to  the  Fort. 

After  stopping  a  short  time  at  Governor's  Island,  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  on  board  the  United  States  Band,  sta 
tioned  there,  the  boat  proceeded  on  her  way  and  arrived  at 
Fort  Hamilton  at  about  nine  o'clock. 

Immediately  thereafter,  a  procession  was  formed  in  the 
following  order  : 

BAND. 

COMMITTEE  OF   ARRANGEMENTS. 

MEMBERS  OF  THE  COMMON  COUNCIL. 

OFFICERS   BELONGING    TO    THE    MILITARY  OF  THE  CITY,  ALSO 

OF  THE  REGIMENT  ON  BOARD. 

MEMBERS  OF   THE  PRESS. 

Which  proceeded  to  the  brow  of  the  hill  or  bluff,  where 
it  was  received  by  the  Regiment,  drawn  up  in  line,  with 
arms  presented. 


128 

After  a  review,  and  the  execution  of  several  military 
manoeuvres  which  were  performed  with  great  precision,  the 
Regiment  broke  into  column,  and  being  preceded  by  the 
band,  and  accompanied  by  the  members  of  the  Common 
Council  and  others,  thence  marched  to  the  boat,  and  all 
being  on  board,  were  soon  on  their  way  to  the  city . 

A  substantial  breakfast,  under  the  direction  of  the  sub- 
Committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  had  been  prepared 
on  board  of  the  boat,  to  which  the  Volunteers  were  invited 
soon  after  the  departure  from  Fort  Hamilton. 

The  boat  soon  neared  the  city,  and  swept  past  the  Bat 
tery  amid  the  discharge  of  cannon,  and  the  cheering  of  the 
vast  multitude  of  citizen  soldiery  and  others,  assembled 
there  to  greet  the  return  of  these  men  after  their  participa 
tion  in  some  of  the  most  brilliant  triumphs  of  American 
valor. 

After  continuing  a  short  distance  up  the  North  river,  she 
turned  and  proceeded  towards  the  Garden  pier,  where  she 
arrived  at  half-past  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  members  of  the  Common  Council  and  others  having 
proceeded  from  the  boat  into  the  Castle,  the  Volunteers 
were  then  landed,  under  a  NATIONAL  SALUTE,  fired  by  the 
Fourth  Light  Artillery,  Col.  Yates,  under  the  direction  of 
Brigadier  General  Morris,  and  marched  into  the  Garden, 
preceded  by  the  band  from  Governor's  Island,  playing 
"  Home,  Sweet  Home,"  where  they  were  received  by  the 
immense  gathering  of  citizens,  with  deafening  and  long- 
continued  cheering. 

The  Regiment  was  then  brought  into  close  column  im 
mediately  in  front  of  the  stage,  on  which  were  assembled 


129 

his  Honor  the  Mayor  of  the  city,  the  Joint  Committee  of 
Arrangements,  and  the  remaining1  members  of  the  Com 
mon  Council,  wearing-  rosettes  and  badges  commemorative 
and  explanatory  of  the  occasion. 

The  word,  "order  arms"  being  obeyed  with  precision, 
the  colors  were  brought  in  front,  and  the  officers  ordered 
in  advance  of  their  companies. 

When  Alderman  Franklin  introduced  to  the  officers  and 
men  of  the  regiment,  his  Honor  Mayor  Havemeyer. 

The  Mayor  thereupon  made  the  following  impressive 
and  eloquent 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  REGIMENT  : 

"  FELLOW  CITIZENS  : 

In  the  name  of  the  municipal  authorities,  and  in 
behalf  of  the  people  whom  they  represent,  I  bid  you  a 
cordial  welcome  to  the  city.  We  receive  you,  returning  to 
your  homes,  your  friends  and  your  kindred,  from  the  scenes 
of  your  toils  and  sacrifices,  and  of  your  heroic  achieve 
ments,  with  proud  satisfaction. 

"  But  little  more  than  a  year  and  a  half  ago,  in  obedience 
to  the  call  of  our  common  country,  you.  left  us,  and  within 
that  period  have  shared  all  the  perils  and  all  the  honors  of 
the  campaign  in  Mexico,  from  its  commencement  at  Vera 
Cruz,  until  its  close  at  the  National  palace  at  the  capital. 

"  We  have  watched  you  through  all  this  rapid  and  bril 
liant  career,  with  solicitude,  and  we  may  add,  with  satis 
faction.     We  have  seen  you  safely  landing  upon  a  hostile 
9 


130 

shore,  in  the  face  of  an  enemy  protected  by  a  castle  hither 
to  considered  invincible  ;  an  act,  under  attendant  circum 
stances,  exhibiting  in  your  commander  a  remarkable  ex 
ample  of  military  skill,  and  in  you,  our  citizen  soldiers,  the 
order  and  discipline  of  veterans. 

"  We  have  followed  you  after  the  fall  of  the  Castle  of 
San  Juan  d'Ulloa,  marching  towards  the  enemy's  capital, 
under  the  immediate  command  of  the  gallant  Shields  ; 
sharing  in  the  brilliant  victory  on  the  heights  of  Cerro 
Gordo,  and  foremost  in  the  pursuit  of  the  retreating  foe. 
At  Contreras  holding  successfully  the  less  conspicuous,  but 
important  position  assigned  to  you.  At  Churubusco,  bear 
ing  a  conspicuous  part  in  that  desperate  and  fatal  conflict, 
and  heading  the  first  charge,  with  the  loss  of  large  numbers 
of  your  comrades. 

"We  have  seen  you  crowning  your  honors  by  your 
achievements  in  the  final  battle  before  the  walls  of  Mex 
ico,  foremost  in  struggling  up  the  steep  ascents  of  Chapul- 
tepec,  to  storm  the  last  strong-hold  of  the  foe,  and  throw 
ing  to  the  breeze  from  his  proud  castle,  first  of  all,  the 
American  flags  which  you  received  from  the  authorities  of 
our  city,  and  an  association  of  our  citizens,  and  which, 
with  their  staffs  broken  and  shattered,  and  folds  torn,  you 
now  bring  back  covered  with  glory,  borne  and  commanded 
by  the  same  brave  men  who  carried  them  triumphantly 
through  the  storms  of  battle,  from  the  heights  of  Cerro 
Gordo  to  the  Halls  of  the  Montezumas. 

'•'  We  have  seen  your  ranks  diminished  by  the  death  and 
disease  of  many  of  your  brave  comrades.  We  have  lamented 
with  you  the  fall  of  Chandler,  at  Churubusco ;  Baxter 


131 

Pearson  and  Van  Olinda,  at  Chapultepec  ;  of  Barclay  and 
Gallagher,  and  many  others,  if  less  conspicuous,  not  less 
brave  or  less  worthy. 

"  You  return  to  us  little  more  than  one-third  of  your 
orignal  number.  More  than  as  many  as  now  compose  your 
gallant  corps  have  perished  in  battle,  or  by  disease,  and 
most  of  the  others  have  preceded  you,  disabled  by  wounds 
or  by  sickness.  The  small  number  of  you  who  have  sur 
vived  the  chances  of  the  battle  field,  and  the  still  greater 
perils  of  the  climate,  and  the  condition  in  which  you  re 
turn ;  the  wounds  of  some  ;  the  disabled  and  wasted  forms 
of  others ;  those  torn  banners,  too,  tell  more  strongly  than 
words,  the  desperate  nature  of  the  service  in  which  you 
have  been  engaged.  None  but  you  can  fully  know  the 
hardships  you  have  endured — none  but  you  can  so  well 
appreciate  the  blessings  of  the  peace  which  has  crowned 
your  victories. 

"  The  events  of  the  war,  now  happily  past,  in  which 
you  have  borne  so  conspicuous  a  part,  have  elevated  the 
character  of  our  country  for  military  capacity  and  resources, 
by  showing  in  your  example,  the  readiness  with  which  its 
citizens  assume  and  fulfill,  successfully,  all  the  responsibili 
ties  of  disciplined  soldiers.  In  this  respect,  not  less  than 
in  the  renown  of  our  arms,  have  your  sufferings  and  sacri 
fices  conferred  great  and  lasting  benefits  upon  the  country, 
and  they  will  confer  still  greater,  if,  by  your  experience, 
they  shall  teach  us  properly  to  estimate  the  blessings  of 
peace . 

"  In  returning  to  the  associations  of  civil  life,  you  will 
carry  with  you  the  respect  arid  favor  of  the  communities 
of  which  you  are  members,  and  your  ambition  need  aim  no 


132 

higher  than  to  preserve  in  the  walks  of  civil  life,  the  sen 
timents  which  your  bravery  in  the  field  has  inspired. 

"  Once  more,  as  the  organ  of  the  public  authorities,  I 
tender  to  you  a  most  cordial  welcome, — a  welcome  which  I 
am  sure  our  citizens  are  most  anxiously  waiting  to  repeat 
for  themselves." 

A  burst  of  applause,  repeated  and  continued  for  some 
time,  from  those  of  our  citizens  assembled  within  the  Castle, 
evidenced  their  approval  of  the  welcome  extended  by  his 
Honor  the  Mayor,  in  behalf  of  the  city,  to  the  brave  men 
composing  the  regiment.  After  the  same  had  subsided, 

COLONEL  BURNETT  replied  to  the  address  as  follows  : 
"  SIB  : — We  are  deeply  and  gratefully  impressed  with  the 
evidence  of  kindness  and  approbation  evinced  by  the  glo 
rious  and  most  gratifying  reception  which  the  city  of  New 
York  has  this  day  given  to  us.  The  flattering  manner  in 
which  you  have  been  pleased  to  allude  to  the  conduct  of 
the  regiment,  awakens  the  most  agreeable  emotions  and 
yields  the  highest  degree  of  satisfaction  ;  and  we  shall  ever 
feel  grateful  to  our  fellow-citizens  for  this  most  cordial 
welcome. 

"  To  know  that  the  conduct  of  the  regiment,  throughout 
the  long  and  arduous  campaign  just  closed,  has  secured 
the  approbation  of  the  people  of  the  great  state,  which  it 
had  the  honor  to  represent,  affords  us  no  ordinary  gratifica 
tion.  It  is  the  hope  of  securing  it  that  cheers  the  soldier 
in  the  performance  of  the  most  difficult  duty,  and  when 
attained,  constitutes  his  highest  reward. 

"  Our  joy  on  this  occasion,  however,  is  diminished  by  the 
sad  reflection  that  many  of  our  companions  who  left  home 


133 

with  us  a  brief  period  since,  with  high  hopes,  and  an  hon 
orable  ambition  to  serve  their  country,  are  not  now  with  us 
to  participate  in  your  generous  reception,  and  to  share  with 
us  your  distinguished  honors.  Unfortunately,  many  have 
yielded  up  their  lives  in  patriotic  devotion  to  their  country, 
and  all  that  is  left  is  the  memory  of  their  gallant  deeds. 

"  Of  the  conduct  of  the  regiment,  it  does  not  become  us 
to  speak.  Its  acts  are  now  before  the  country,  and  have 
become  a  part  of  its  history  ;  and  if  they  have  been  such 
as  to  secure  the  approbation  of  the  state,  which  sent  us  to 
the  field,  and  of  the  Union,  our  highest  ambition  will  have 
been  attained.  We  can  only  say,  that  we  endeavored  to 
do  our  duty,  and  to  sustain  as  far  as  it  was  in  our  power, 
the  honor  of  the  country  and  of  the  Empire  State.  How 
far  we  have  succeeded,  we  leave  to  others  to  determine, 
satisfied  that  our  countrymen  will  do  us  justice. 

"  As  this  will  be  the  last  occasion  on  which  we  shall  thus 
meet,  I  cannot  omit  the  opportunity  of  presenting  to  you, 
the  officers  and  men,  and  bearing  testimony  to  their  devo 
tion  to  the  state,  and  of  commending  them  to  the  kind 
consideration  and  gratitude  of  the  people. 

"  In  conclusion,  allow  me  to  return  our  sincere  thanks  for 
your  cordial  welcome,  and  to  assure  you,  and  the  citizens 
of  New  York,  that  this  occasion  will  long  be  remembered, 
and  reverted  to  as  a  proud  event." 

Colonel  Burnett  was  repeatedly  cheered  by  those  present 
during  the  delivery  of  the  reply,  as  well  as  at  its  conclusion. 

The  regiment  then  re-formed,  and  being  preceded  by  his 
Honor  the  Mayor,  and  the  members  of  the  Common  Coun 
cil,  marched  to  the 


134 
BATTERY, 

and  thence  along  the  line  of  military,  under  command   of 
Major  General  Sandford. 

Its  reception  here  was  beyond  description.  The  enthu 
siasm  of  the  soldiery,  as  this  brave  but  shattered  regiment 
passed  along  their  lines,  overcame  the  restraint  of  military 
discipline,  and  gave  vent  in  loud  and  long  continued 
cheering,  to  their  admiration  of  its  gallantry  upon  the 
bloody  but  victorious  fields  of  Mexico. 

The  military  soon  afterwards  broke  into  column,  and 
took  up  their  line  of  march  as  an  escort  to  the  Volunteers ; 
the  van  of  the 

PROCESSION 

being  led  by  the  "  Tiger  Guards,"  of  Brooklyn,  and  the 
rear  brought  up  by  the  "  Chatham  Guards"  of  this  city. 

The  procession  then  moved  up  Broachvay  to  Park  row  ; 
through  Park  row  and  Chatham  street  to  East  Broadway  ; 
up  East  Broadway  to  Grand  street;  through  Grand  street 
to  Broadway  ;  down  Broadway  to  Chambers  street ;  through 
Chambers  to  Greenwich  street,  thence  down  Greenwich 
street  to  the  Battery,  as  laid  down  in  the  Programme  of 
Arrangements  for  the  day. 

When  the  head  of  the  procession  arrived  at  the  Battery, 
it  halted,  the  military  formed  into  line,  with  arms  pre 
sented,  and  the  Volunteers,  under  the  immediate  escort  of 
the  "  City  Guard,"  marched  past  them  into  the  Battery, 
and  from  thence  again  into  the  interior  of  Castle  Garden. 


135 

The  reception  that  these  gallant  and  patriotic  men  re 
ceived  as  they  marched  through  the  various  streets,  was 
all  that  the  most  sanguine  heart  of  them  could  have  de 
sired.  Every  where,  from  their  entrance  into  Broadway 
from  the  Battery,  until  their  return  to  the  Garden,  the 
liveliest  and  most  enthusiastic  demontrations  of  joy  at 
their  return,  and  of  admiration  of  their  bravery,  was  exhi 
bited  on  the  part  of  the  thousands  of  inhabitants  and 
strangers  that  densely  crowded  the  streets,  filled  the  win 
dows  and  balconies,  and  lined  the  tops  of  the  houses  and 
public  buildings  along  the  route  of  the  procession. 

After  the  Volunteers  had  returned  to 
CASTLE  GARDEN, 

They  formed  into  close  column  in  front  of  the  stage,  which 
was  occupied  by  his  Honor  the  Mayor,  the  Committee  of 
Arrangements  and  the  remaining  members  of  the  Com 
mon  Council,  together  with  Major  General  Sandford  and 
his  staff,  and  several  other  distinguished  officers  connected 
with  the  military  of  the  city,  as  well  as  a  number  of  emi 
nent  citizens  and  strangers.  The  other  parts  of  the  build 
ing  were  densely  crowded  by  the  military  and  other 
citizens. 

The  presentation  of  the 

COLORS 

of  the  regiment  to  the  city,  being  the  next  order  of  ar 
rangement,  the  national  and  regimental  ones,  together 
with  two  small  ones,  used  as  guide  colors,  were  brought  in 


136 

advance,  borne  by  the  same  officers,  who  had  carried  them 
so  gallantly  in  Mexico,  and  were  presented  in  behalf  of 
the  regiment,  by 

COLONEL  BURNETT, 
Who,  on  the  occasion,  delivered  the  following  address  : 

"  In  the  month  of  January,  1847,  the  New  York  Regi 
ment,  numbering  about  eight  hundred  men,  left  this  city, 
under  my  command,  to  serve  during  the  war  with  Mexico. 

"  Before  our  departure,  the  Corporation  of  the  city  of 
New  York,  gave  us  a  stand  of  colors,  and  a  society  of  pa 
triotic  citizens,  the  Texas  and  Oregon  Association,  a  na 
tional  flag.  These  were  presented  to  the  regiment,  for 
mally,  at  the  Island  of  Lobos,  in  Mexico,  where  a  solemn 
oath  was  taken  by  every  officer  and  soldier,  that  no  enemy 
should  capture  them  while  life  was  spared  to  defend  them. 

"  The  close  of  the  war,  and  the  disbanding  of  the  regi 
ment,  have  induced  us  to  request  the  authorities  of  the  city 
to  take  into  their  charge  those  sacred  emblems  of  our  State 
and  Nation,  that  they  may  be  preserved  as  the  eloquent, 
though  silent  relics,  of  the  shattered  remnants  of  the  regi 
ment  that  pledged  and  gave,  in  defending  them,  their 
hearts'  blood  and  their  lives. 

"  The  devotion  and  reverence  of  a  soldier  for  his  colors 
can  scarcely  be  realized  by  one  who  has  not  fought  under 
them  in  a  foreign  land.  The  stars  and  stripes  reminded 
us  of  our  duty  to  the  Union,  and  the  arms  of  the  city  and 
state,  with  the  motto  '  Excelsior,'  impelled  us  to  emulate 
the  gallant  deeds  of  the  army,  who  had  already  covered 
themselves  with  imperishable  glory. 


137 

"  These  colors  were  the  companions  of  the  regiment  at 
Vera  Cruz,  Cerro  Gordo,  Contreras,  Churubusco,  Chapul- 
tepec,  the  Garde  de  Bolin,  and  upon  the  Grand  Plaza  of 
the  city  of  Mexico.  From  the  time  of  their  reception  at 
Lobos  Island  to  this  day,  they  have  been  revered  and 
honored  as  the  life  and  soul  of  that  '  morale'  which  gives 
unity  and  power  to  a  regiment  in  the  hour  of  battle 
They  were  ever  in  the  advance  in  the  hands  of  those  who 
bear  them  now,  and  always  our  beacon  light  to  victory. 
The  wounded  and  the  dying  would  look  to  them  in  their 
last  moments,  and  smile  to  see  them  planted  in  triumph 
upon  the  works  of  the  enemy,  amidst  the  cheers  of  the 
living. 

<l  Our  oath  to  preserve  them  has  been  fulfilled.  There  are 
now  consigned  to  your  charge — peace  is  declared,  and 
may  God,  in  his  infinite  mercy,  grant  it  may  be  a  lasting 
one  with  all  the  world.  But  should  our  country  again  re 
quire  our  services,  she  will  find  us  ever  ready  to  rally  under 
her  banners,  and  to  serve  her  with  never-dying  zeal  and 
devotion." 

The  Mayor  replied  as  follows : 

"  On  behalf  of  the  municipal  authorities,  I  receive  with 
pride  and  gratification  these  flags,  one  of  which  was  their 
gift ;  the  other,  that  of  an  association  of  our  citizens,  and 
which  you  now  return  to  the  city.  D^-.—^.  »  ,.  ^^ 

"  When  they  were  presented  to  you,  you  promised  that 
they  should  never  be  surrendered  to  an  enemy  or  dis 
graced,  and  the  noble  manner  in  which  that  pledge  has 
been  redeemed,  has  proved  you  worthy  of  the  confidence 
which  was  reposed  in  your  gallantry  and  patriotism. 


138 

"  When  you  first  received  them,  although  their  lustre 
was  untarnished,  they  had  but  little  value,  except  that  of 
their  beautiful  texture  :  they  come  back  tons  dimmed  with 
the  smoke  and  dust  of  battle,  with  their  staffs  shattered  and 
their  folds  rent ;  but  consecrated  by  your  toils  and  suffer 
ings  lo  imperishable  renown. 

They  will  be  placed  in  the  archives  of  our  city,  as  a 
memento  to  our  citizens  of  your  services  to  your  country, 
and  they  will  transmit  the  story  of  your  sacrifices  and 
achievements  to  future  generations." 

The  beautiful  BLUE-SILKEN  FLAG  presented  to  the  regi 
ment  in  the  city  of  Mexico,  by  Major  General  Scott,  and 
on  which  the  United  States  coat-of-arms  and  the  name  of 
the  regiment  are  richly  embroidered,  was  next  presented  by 

Lieutenant  Colonel  JAMES  C.  BURNHAM,  as  follows  : 

"  GENTLEMEN  : 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  present  to  you  the  flag  pre 
sented  to  the  regiment,  by  General  Scott,  after  the  battle 
at  the  city  of  Mexico.  It  was  made  by  the  hands  of  the 
ladies  of  Mexico,  and  now  with  the  battered  standard  of 
the  regiment,  we  present  it  to  you." 

The  MAYOR,  in  response,  said  : 

"  I  accept  likewise,  with  great  satisfaction,  this  magnifi 
cent  banner,  a  beautiful  specimen  of  the  handiwork  of 
Mexican  ladies,  and  presened  to  you  by  General  Scott,  as 
a  testimonial  of  his  approbation  of  your  gallant  conduct, 
to  be  placed  side  by  side  with  the  others  which  I  have  re 
ceived." 


139 

"  Representing  the  governments  of  the  Union  and  the 
State,  and  associated  as  they  will  hereafter  be,  may  they 
be  emblematical  of  the  harmony  and  fraternity  which 
should  ever  characterize  the  relations  of  the  state  with  the 
Union,  and  of  the  Union  with  the  other  Republics  of  the 
American  continent." 

THE  COLORS  AND  FLAG 

Having  been  taken  charge  of  by  the  Committee,  were  sub 
sequently  conveyed  by  a  portion  of  them,  under  the  escort 
of  the  "  CITY  GUARD,"  to  the  City  Hall. 

After  the  conclusion  of  the  ceremonies  of  the  presentation 
and  reception  of  the  colors  and  flag  of  the  regiment,  the 

MEDALS, 

Ordered  by  the  Common  Council,  and  prepared  under  the 
direction  of  the  Joint  Committee  appointed  for  that  pur 
pose,  were  then  presented  to  the  officers  and  men  of  the 
regiment,  by  MORRIS  FRANKLIN,  ESQ.,  President  of  the 
Board  of  Aldermen. 

The  following  letter  received  by  the  Committee,  from 
MAJOR  GENERAL  SCOTT, 

in  reply  to  the  invitation  dispatched  to  him  to  participate 
in  the  ceremonies  of  the  reception,  was  afterwards  read  by 
Alderman  Franklin  : 

"  ROCKAWAY,  JULY  26,  1848. 

"  GENTLEMEN  : — I  have,  at  this  moment,  the  honor  to 
receive  (by  a  special  messenger)  your  note  of  yesterday,  in- 


140 

viting  me  on  the  part  of  the  Common  Council,  to  be  pres 
ent  to-morrow,  at  the  reception  of  the  first  regiment  of  N. 
Y.  Volunteers. 

"  Under  this  note  and  other  circumstances,  it  would  be  as 
much  a  duty  as  a  pleasure  to  comply  with  the  flattering 
invitation,  because  it  would  be  in  my  power,  within  the 
limits  of  truth,  to  say  much  of  that  gallant  and  patriotic 
corps,  which  perhaps,  might  not  be  said  with  equal  pro 
priety  by  another  than  their  late  Chief  Commander,  on  the 
fields  \vhich  they  have  done  so  much  to  render  glorious  ; 
but  I  returned  home  very  low  in  health,  and  have  only 
within  a  few  days  been  flattered  with  a  return  of  strength, 
and  I  am  certain  that  the  exertion  and  excitement  conse 
quent  on  a  meeting  with  the  Common  Council  and  my  late 
brothers-in-arms,  would  throw  me  back  in  my  recovery  for 
many  months,  if  not  forever. 

In  haste,  I  have  tlie  honor  to  remain, 

With  the  highest  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

WINFIELD  SCOTT. 

Messrs.  WASHINGTON  SMITH, 

and  others,  Committee,  &c." 

The  volunteers  exhibited  the  liveliest  interest  during  the 
reading  of  this  letter  from  their  beloved  and  distinguished 
late  Chief  Commander ;  and  their  enthusiastic  and  soul- 
stirring  cheering  at  the  mention  of  his  name,  showed  the 
depth  of  their  affection  and  veneration  for  him  who  had 
led  them  on  from  victory  to  victory,  from  Vera  Cruz  to  the 
ancient  capitol  of  the  Montezumas. 


The  regiment  then  re-formed,  and  in  company  with  the 
Committee  of  Arrangements,  members  of  the  Common 
Council  and  several  distinguished  military  officers  and  cit 
izens,  embarked  at  about  six  o'clock,  p.  M.,  on  board  of  the 
"  Columbia,"  then  lying  at  the  Castle  pier,  to 

RETURN   TO   FORT   HAMILTON. 

An  excellent  lunch  had  been  prepared  for  them  on  board 
of  the  boat,  of  which  they  partook  during  the  trip. 

Arrived  at  Fort  Hamilton,  the  Volunteers  went  on  shore, 
where  they  formed,  and  thence  marched,  under  the  escort 
of  the  members  of  the  Common  Council,  Major  General 
Sandford  and  staff,  and  several  other  distinguished  military 
officers  and  citizens  who  accompanied  them  in  the  boat,  to 
their  camp,  where  leave  was  taken  of  them. 

The  Common  Council  and  others  then  returned  to  the 
boat,  and  were  soon  on  their  way  to  the  city,  where  they 
arrived,  and  were  landed  at  the  foot  of  Beach  street,  at 
about  8  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Your  Committee  have  thus  reported  a  history  of  their 
proceedings,  and  of  the  ceremonies  on  the  occasion  of  the 
reception  of  the  brave  and  patriotic  officers.and  men  com 
posing  the  gallant  but  shattered  first  regiment  of  New 
York  Volunteers,  on  their  return  from  Mexico. 

The  event  was  one  not  soon  to  be  forgotten.  From  the 
time  of  the  landing  of  the  Volunteers  at  Castle  Garden  pier 
until  their  departure  therefrom  on  their  return  to  their 
camp  at  Fort  Hamilton,  the  warmest  and  most  enthusiastic 
demonstration  of  rejoicing  met  them  at  every  point  at 


142 

which  they  made  their  appearance — in  the  Garden,  on  the 
occasion  of  their  reception,  there  by  the  municipal  author 
ities — on  the  Battery,  by  the  military,  as  they  passed  along 
their  lines — on  the  route  of  the  procession,  by  the  thousands 
of  all  ages,  sexes  and  conditions,  that  lined  the  streets  and 
doorways,  and  filled  the  windows,  balconies  and  house 
tops  ; — again,  at  the  Garden,  on  the  occasion  of  the  pre 
sentation  to  the  city  of  the  COLORS  which  they  had  sustain 
ed  with  such  gallantry — on  the  delivery  to  them  of  the 
MEDLAS,  ordered  by  the  Common  Council — and  on  their 
departure  to  return  to  their  camp  at  Fort  Hamilton. 

It  was  a  welcome,  sincere  and  cordial — a  reception  bril 
liant  and  triumphant,  which  the  citizens  of  New  York, 
military,  civic  and  others,  this  day  extended  and  accorded 
to  the  brave  men  who  had  participated  in  the  privations 
and  sufferings,  and  shared  in  the  glories  and  triumphs  of  that 
brilliant  campaign,  which  has  shed  such  lustre  and  cast 
such  renown  upon  the  American  arms.  At  the  landing 
and  at  the  bombardment  of  Vera  Cruz — the  victory  of  Cerro 
Gordo — in  the  capture  at  Contreras — the  route  at  Churu- 
busco — the  storming  of  Chapultepec — at  the  Garde  de  Bolin 
— who  had  stood  upon  the  Grand  Plaza  of  the  city  of  Mex 
ico,  and  watched  how  proudly  floated  the  stars  and  stripes 
of  their  beloved  country  from  its  ancient  halls  and  palaces 
— placed  there* by  the  victories  of  the  army  of  which  they 
formed  so  distinguished  a  part. 

Companies  E,  Captain  Robert  A.  Carter,  and  H,  Captain 
A.  Fransworth,  having  been  discharged  and  mustered  out 
of  service  previous  to  the  day  of  the  reception,  did  not  par 
ticipate  in  its  ceremonies. 

Your  Committee  would  take  the  opportunity  of  tendering 
their  thanks  to  Major  General  Sandford,  Brigadier  Generals 


143 

Storms,  Morris,  Hall  and  Ewen,  and  to  the  military  in 
general,  for  the  manner  in  which  they  seconded  the  ar 
rangements  of  the  Committee. 

To  the  proprietors  of  the  People's  line  of  steamboats, 
for  their  kind  and  generous  tender  of  the  use  of  the 
"  Columbia,"  for  the  purposes  of  the  Committee,  on  the  day 
of  the  reception. 

To  Captain  William  A.  Fuller,  commander  of  the 
"  Columbia,"  for  his  gentlemanly  deportment  and  unre 
mitting  attention  to  the  Common  Council  and  their  guests. 

To  Messrs.  French  &  Heiser,  lessess  of  Castle  Garden, 
for  the  generous  use  of  the  Garden  on  the  occasion. 

Te  George  W.  Matsell,  Esquire,  Chief  of  Police,  for  his 
excellent  order  of  Police  arrangements,  and  to  his  aids,  and 
the  Police  generally,  for  the  efficient  manner  in  which  the 
same  were  carried  out. 

And  to  all  others  who  in  any  way  aided  the  Committee 
in  carrying  out  their  arrangements. 

The  preamble  and  resolutions  under  which  the  Commit 
tee  acted,  referred  to  a  celebration  at  the  same  time,  of  the 
restoration  of  the  blessings  of  peace  between  our  own  and 
the  sister  republic  of  Mexico. 

This  was  happily  combined  in  the  ceremonies  of  the  oc 
casion  of  the  welcome  and  reception  of  the  Volunteers,  as 
while  our  citizens  exhibited  their  demonstrations  warm  and 
enthusiastic,  of  joy  at  their  return  and  of  admiration  of 
their  bravery,  they,  at  the  same  time  rejoiced  in  the  return 
of  the  blessings  of  peace,  which  the  gallant  and  heroic 
conduct  of  the  American  army,  and  of  which  the  Regi- 


144 

ment  formed  so  distinguished  a  portion,  was  mainly  instru 
mental  in  procuring. 

Your  Committee  also  rejoice  with  their  fellow-citizens 
in  the  return  of  those  brave  officers  and  men  from  the 
scenes  of  their  toils  and  sufferings,  and  of  their  glories  and 
triumphs,  to  their  country  and  their  homes,  as  well  as  in 
the  restoration  of  the  blessings  of  peace  between  our  own 
and  the  Mexican  nation.  May  it  never  be  broken.  But 
if  it  should  be,  either  with  her  or  with  any  other  nation  or 
people,  the  gallant  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  of  the 
First  Regiment  of  New  York  Volunteers  upon  the  fields  of 
Mexico — which  we  have  this  day  so  much  honored — fully 
warrant  us  in  the  assurance  that  the  sons  of  New  York,  if 
called  upon  again,  will  be  ever  ready  to  figbt  the  battles 
of  their  country,  whether  on  a  foreign  soil  or  on  their  own 
repelling  a  foreign  foe,  and  that  where  "  the  fight  is  thick 
est,  and  the  fire  is  hottest,"  there  will  they  be.  found  cover 
ing  both  themselves  and  their  country,  as  at  Churubusco 
and  Chapultepec,  with  imperishable  glory. 


WASHINGTON  SMITH, 
T.  R.   DE  FOREST, 
JAMES  S.  LIBBY, 
CLARKSON  CROLIUS, 
NIEL  GRAY, 
MORRIS  FRANKLIN, 

President. 


Committee  on  the  part 

of  the 
Board  of  Aldermen. 


TIMOTHY  R.  HIBBARD, 

A.    H.    SCHULTZ, 

ROBERT  P.   GETTY,         |  Committee  on  the  part 

JEDEDIAH   MILLER,         }•       of  the  Board  of 

JOSEPH   JAMISON,  Assistant  Aldermen. 

WILSON  SMALL, 

President. 


